TEHRAN - Torrential rains and flooding rivers have devastated large areas of Europe, Asia and Central America in the past two weeks, killing hundreds and sending panicked governments scrambling to take action.

The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, last weekend voiced his sympathy for the people and the governments around the world suffer the effects of flooding and pledged to continue UN assistance to those stricken by the disasters.

Several countries in Central Europe and South Asia, as well as the Russian Federation, Iran, China and the Philippines, have been struck by massive flooding, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes. United Nations Information Center reported.

A statement released by a spokesperson for Annan at UN Headquarters in New York said the UN was providing support to affected countries that have requested it by delivering relief materials, mobilizing donor support, and serving as a conduit for the timely sharing of information. "The UN stands ready to assist any other affected countries that ask for help," the statement said.

The secretary general also pointed out that the upcoming World Summit on sustainable Development, scheduled to open on August 26, wold provide an opportunity to move forward on developing strategies to reduce the effects of natural disasters and to confront the serious environmental challenges affecting the planet.

About 100 people have died as floodwaters continue to rage through some of Europe's historic cities while in Asia, the traditional monsoon season has left hundreds dead and millions more without shelter.

Around 220,000 Czechs were forced out of their homes by the worst floods in more than 100 years.

In Hungary, more than 20,000 people were working to reinforce dykes in anticipation of record flood levels expected to hit Budapest later in the day, the Disaster Management Service said.

A source close to the German government said that EU aid could amount to five billion euros for repairs of flood damage in the south and east of the country.

"I have never seen such a terrible natural disaster in my life," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted a 70-year-old woman as saying.

More than 800 people have been killed and millions displaced by floods and landslides in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.