U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday said he was saddened by the deaths in China caused by severe flooding and landslides in northwestern China. More than 700 people are reported dead and at least 1,000 more are missing after heavy rains Saturday triggered a landslide of mud and rocks that spread over three miles. “The secretary-general is saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the severe flooding that has affected considerable portions of China,” Ban's spokesperson Martin Nesirky said at a news briefing. “He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have died or been injured or lost their homes and possessions.” He added that the United Nations is ready to assist in the recovery effort if asked. Flooding in China has killed about 1,800 people this year and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage across 28 provinces and regions.
