United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness at the loss of life and destruction of property due to heavy monsoon rains in India and its neighbourhood countries.

The UN Secretary General said the world body stands by to provide support if required.

Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary General, Farhan Haq said, according to UN’s humanitarian officials, rains in India have displaced more than one million people and claimed more than 40 lives.

National Disaster Response Force teams are carrying out search-and-rescue operations and thousands of people are sheltered in dozens of relief camps.

Haq said, in southeast Nepal, recent heavy rainfall has reportedly caused the death of 67 people and displaced more than 16 thousand households. Monsoon flooding has also affected Myanmar, where more than 20 thousand people have been displaced.

Extending his condolences and solidarity to the families of the victims, to the Governments and people of the affected countries, Guterres said the United Nations stands ready to work with the authorities in the affected countries.