Brussels, 16 August 2017/ ACP: The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States has learnt with sadness of loss of lives and devastation caused by mudslide and flooding through the regent and Freetown area in Sierra Leone.

The ACP Group expresses profound regrets for the loss of lives and destruction, and conveys its deep condolences to the People and Government of Sierra Leone and to families of those who have been killed and injured or made homeless by this disaster.

The ACP Group of States stands in solidarity with the affected communities of the Nation of Sierra Leone, and calls for urgent action by disaster, emergency a humanitarian agencies and international organisations to respond with assistance to address this crisis situation and provide support to the ongoing search and rescue efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone.

The ACP Group reiterates its commitment to assisting the People of Sierra Leone in accordance with the ACP Guidelines to be followed in the event of a natural disaster in an ACP State.

For more information, kindly contact ACP Press Office, Ave. Georges Henri 451, 1200 Brussels, Belgium. Tel +32 2 7430617 Email latu@acp.int Twitter @PressACP Website www.acp.int