New York: UN chief Ban Ki-moon expressing deep sadness over the devastating earthquake that has claimed over 9,000 lives in China so far said on Monday that the world stands ready to support the Communist nation in its hour of need.

"He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the earthquake," his spokesperson said Monday.

Over 9,000 people were killed as the deadliest earthquake in recent decades jolted the Sichuan province.

Measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale, the quake unleashed a colossal devastation in Beichun County in northeast Sichuan, where alone up to 3,000-5,000 people were feared dead, Xinhua news agency said quoting provincial disaster headquarters.

Source : PTI