Secretary-General, Saddened by Lives Lost in Afghanistan Avalanches, Landslides, Floods, Says United Nations Agencies, Partners Assisting Displaced

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life in Afghanistan as a result of avalanches, landslides and floods in Kabul, Parwan, Panjsher, Kapisa, Badakhshan and Nuristan provinces.

The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the people and Government of Afghanistan, especially those who have lost family members, friends, homes and livelihoods in these disasters.

United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners have responded quickly to support the Government of Afghanistan in providing assistance to those who have been displaced, where they are accessible, and to bolster contingency planning to increase the resilience of families and communities in the longer term.