June 28, 2007	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 12, 1428

UNITED NATIONS: Saddened by the human toll in the recent storms UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday pledged to support national efforts to provide emergency assistance to survivors of recent storms across South Asia, which have resulted in several hundred deaths in India and Pakistan.

Mr Ban was “deeply concerned by the loss of life and serious damage caused by severe storms and flooding in parts of India and Pakistan,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

The statement also commended the “prompt and effective” response to the disaster in both countries.

According to UN relief agencies on the ground, the recent storms, combined with tropical cyclone Yemyn – which made landfall in Balochistan – have caused significant damage in Pakistan and India, causing hundreds of deaths and bringing commercial activity in Karachi to a halt.

Yemyn has caused damage in coastal and adjoining regions of Balochistan, severing the coastal highway and threatening the Mirani Dam, according to the UN resident coordinator for Pakistan.

In addition to the loss of life, the rains and the resulting flooding and landslides have damaged over 5,000 homes.

The UN says it remains in close contact with both governments and is ready to provide relief if requested.