Following is the statement made today by the President of the General Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), on the floods and mudslides in Venezuela:
I have been following with deep concern and sadness news reports of the flooding disaster which struck Venezuela last week, and of the rising death toll. Estimates of those feared dead range as high as 25,000 in flash floods and mudslides that hit Venezuela, making this the worst natural disaster in that country’s history. News stories indicate that the magnitude of the calamity has overwhelmed Venezuela’s capacity to respond, and that dozens of countries have rushed in with aid. I commend their kind generosity and relief assistance.
On behalf of the General Assembly, I extend deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of Venezuela for the tragic loss of life and extensive material damage that have resulted from the floods and mudslides. I, therefore, urge the international community to show its solidarity and respond promptly and generously to any request from that great nation in the face of this devastation.
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