UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is saddened by the loss of life due to the flooding in the U.S. state of Texas, his spokesperson said Monday.

"The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life, notably of a large number of children, caused by the recent floods in Texas, which struck during what should have been a time of celebration over the holiday weekend," said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a statement.

Guterres extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those impacted, the people of Texas and the U.S. government, said the spokesman.

The death toll from the flash flooding in central Texas has risen to 87, with dozens still missing as search and rescue efforts entered the fourth day on Monday, according to local authorities. ■