Saturday, August 12 2006 15:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: The United Nations has offered to provide India any assistance it may need in response to recent floods in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, where over 161 people have been killed and over 6 million are affected.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is deeply saddened over the loss of life and damage caused by the flooding in the three Indian states and extends his condolences to the victims and their families, a statement issued by his spokesman stated.

"He commends the Government of India on its rapid search and rescue operations and establishment of relief camps. The United Nations stands ready to offer any assistance requested by the Indian Government to support the national response to this disaster," it added.