UN chief saddened by life loss due to cyclone Idai in Mozambique

UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is saddened by the loss of life caused by tropical cyclone Idai in Mozambique, his spokesperson said Friday.

"The secretary-general is deeply saddened by the loss of life, destruction of property and displacement of people due to the heavy rains and flooding caused by tropical cyclone Idai," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing.

He added the United Nations expresses its solidarity with the Mozambique authorities and stands ready to work with them as they respond to the humanitarian needs resulting from this natural disaster.

Guterres "extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Mozambique," he said.

Tropical cyclone Idai, with its winds and rain ravaging parts of Malawi and Mozambique for days, has claimed at least 122 lives and affected more than 1 million people.