UN Expresses Sympathy For Hurricane Katrina Victims
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today expressed his sympathy for victims of Hurricane Katrina in the United
States and extended condolences to those affected by the storm.
“The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and large-scale destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina
along the United States Gulf Coast,” Mr. Annan said in a statement issued by his spokesperson. “He extends his sincere
condolences to all the victims and their families,” it added.
Earlier this week Sálvano Briceño, Director of the Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
(ISDR) called for more systematic prevention and mitigation measures, noting that the devastation wrought by Hurricane
Katrina and recent deadly floods in Central Europe and Switzerland prove that anyone can be affected, any day, anywhere
by natural disaster.
He also said that recent weather-rated catastrophes provide an opportune moment for the media to pass the message that
it is important for all to be prepared in the future.