South African president saddened by Brazilian flood deaths

South African President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday he has learned with deep sadness of the deaths of 45 people in flooding in northeastern Brazil.

Expressing his condolences to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Zumma said: "Along with the people of South Africa, I share the pain of those affected. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time."

In a statement to the South African Press Association, he added that this tragedy came at a time "when we, the people of the south, should all be rejoicing on our achievements".

"On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to extend our condolences to the government of the Federative Republic of Brazil during this time of loss and sadness," Zuma said.

Source: Xinhua