UN chief saddened by Argentina's deadly flooding

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday voiced his sadness at the loss of life and the damage to homes and infrastructure in Argentina as a result of torrential floods.

Ban extended "his sincere condolences to the Argentinian government and people, particularly the families of those who have perished or been otherwise affected in this disaster," said a statement issued here by his spokesperson.

"The United Nations stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize any international support needed," said the statement.

Evacuated residents stay in a shelter to recieve humanitarian aid, in La Plata, south of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on April 3, 2013. (Xinhua/Alejandro Moritz/TELAM)

More than 50 people have reportedly died from flash floods caused by the recent spate of torrential rains in the South American country.

The heaviest rainfall fell between late Tuesday and early Wednesday in and around the nation's capital, Buenos Aires, and the provincial capital of La Plata, leaving thousands evacuated from their homes.