Ban "extends his condolences to the families of those who perished," according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

The UN chief also expressed concern at the economic devastation faced by the survivors.

Moon commended the "prompt and effective response" to the flooding by the affected countries -- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal -- said a press release issued by UN News Centre in New York yesterday.

The UN Children's Fund (Unicef) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are concerned about the spread of water-borne diseases, viral fever and skin infections, and are providing emergency medical kits and other supplies in the affected areas.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Veronique Taveau of Unicef warned that the needs would be long-term and that many thousands could remain homeless for weeks.

She warned that the situation in Bangladesh, where nearly 8 million people are affected, could worsen rapidly over the coming days.

EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union yesterday said it is ready to help Bangladesh overcome the current flood and its aftermath.

The assurance was given by a EU delegation, led by Ambassador of the Netherlands Kees Beemsterboer who is currently holding the chair of the European Union in Bangladesh, during a meeting with Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the foreign ministry.

" We're willing to discuss how we can help to improve the situation. We want to play our part in doing some reconstruction and we can help in other ways too," Kees Beemsterboer told reporters after the meeting.

PRINCE CHARLES

Prince of Wales has expressed grave concern and sympathy for those affected by flooding in Bangladesh.

In a message to President Iajuddin Ahmed, Charles said he and his wife were deeply distressed to hear the shocking devastation caused by floods in Bangladesh.

"Our hearts go out to all those who have lost their loved ones or have been displaced from their homes, and to the many who are battling to survive every day. Please know how deeply we feel for yourself and the people of Bangladesh for whom we have the greatest affection," according to a press release from British High Commission in Dhaka yesterday.

Meanwhile, responding to the current floods in Bangladesh, the UK through its Department for International Development (DFID) has already given $2.5 million (Tk 17 crore) for immediate aid, providing food, water, shelter and medicines for 50,000 people in the ten worst-affected districts.

The DFID is supporting the government of Bangladesh's ongoing relief work, channelling $1.8 million (Tk 12 crore) aid through UNDP. The UK has also authorised DFID's Chars Livelihoods Programme (CLP) to offer further flood relief efforts in their operation areas in five districts in the northern region--Jamalpur, Sirajgonj, Bogra, Gaibandha, Kurigram. Up to $2 million (Tk 14 crore) will be spent for this worst-hit region by CLP. Through UNDP and CLP, one million people have already received help.