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Secretary-General expresses condolences to victims of Chile earthquake
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed condolences to those who have lost family and friends in the earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Over 700 people are reported to have died in the 8.8 earthquake which caused massive waves that hit coastal towns and villages in the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretary-General wishes those injured in the earthquake a speedy recovery.
The Secretary-General is closely monitoring developments, including the risk of Pacific Rim tsunamis after the huge earthquake.
He is also seeking to contact the UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is based in Santiago, for an assessment of the earthquake and information on United Nation staff.
He says the United Nations system, through its Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is on standby to offer rapid assistance to the Chilean government and people.
Jocelyne Sambira, UN Radio.
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