UN chief 'deeply saddened’ by deadly flooding across Asia

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed sorrow Tuesday as floods and landslides continue to devastate Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, displacing millions and leaving a mounting death toll.

Guterres "is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by severe flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Guterres also conveyed his "heartfelt" condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his solidarity with all those affected by these devastating floods, he said.

"The United Nations is in close contact with authorities in all four countries and stands ready to support relief and response efforts. UN Country Teams remain at the disposal of Governments to provide necessary assistance," Dujarric added.