President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent a sympathy message to President Dilma Rousseff of the Federative Republic of Brazil, in the wake of flooding in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Heavy rains last week sparked one of Brazil’s worst natural disasters, sending an avalanche of mud, water and rocks plowing through towns and villages in the scenic Rio de Janeiro region. Poorer residents who lived in precarious housing bore the brunt of the carnage that has killed at least 665 people.
The death toll has risen steadily as rescuers have dug bodies from the wreckage. Authorities have given no estimates of the number of missing, but Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper said on Monday that 120 people are still unaccounted for.

Following is the text of President Jagdeo’s message:

“Excellency”,
On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I wish to convey our profound sympathy to the Government and people of Brazil in the wake of the recent flooding and mudslides which occurred in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the disruptions created by the disaster. I wish to express solidarity with the people of Brazil during this difficult time, and am confident that the spirit of resilience characteristic of the Brazilian people will engender a speedy recovery process.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Republic of Guyana.