Stressing that small states are "most vulnerable" to disasters like the tsunami tragedy that hit South and South East Asia, a top UN official has urged the international community to pay special attention to their needs and help them rebuild their economies.
Under-Secretary-General of the UN International Meeting on Small Island Developing States Anwarul K Chowdhury also called for giving special consideration to issues of climate change, saying that the tragedy comes on the heels of several "climatic disasters".
The effect of global change has never been more evident than the recent devastating widespread hurricanes and tropical storms affecting the small island developing states, which are "most vulnerable" to such changes, he added.
In a statement, Chowdhury said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn of the loss of life and destruction caused due to the earthquake and tidal waves.