UN chief condoles China mudslide deaths

NEW YORK - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday expressed sadness that the severe flooding in China had caused the loss of life and resulted in devastation.

“He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been injured or lost their homes and possessions,” a UN statement said.

“The secretary general is aware of the tremendous efforts being undertaken by the government of China to evacuate people out of harm’s way, to carry out search and rescue operations, and to respond to needs arising from this situation,” the statement said.

“He reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to assist in any way in this effort should it be required.”

The death toll rose to 702 Tuesday with more than 1,000 people still missing after floods and landslides engulfed villages in north-western China’s Gansu province.