UN chief saddened by loss of life after massive earthquake in SW China

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Sunday said that he "is saddened by the loss of life, and the damage to homes and infrastructure" in southwest China as a result of a 6.5-magnitude earthquake.

The secretary-general "offers his condolences to the Chinese government and the families of those killed, and his deepest sympathies to those who were injured or otherwise affected in this disaster," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

"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," the statement said.

At least 367 people have been killed and 1,881 others injured after the strong earthquake rattled southwest China's Yunnan Province Sunday afternoon.

The strong quake hit at 4:30 p.m. Sunday (Beijing Time) with a depth of 12 kilometers and the epicenter is in Longtoushan Township, 23 kilometers southwest of the county seat of Ludian, Zhaotong City.