UN chief saddened by deadly quake in Iran

UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday voiced his sadness at the loss of life and destruction in the wake of an earthquake in southern Iran, which had killed at least 37 people.

"The secretary-general is saddened by the loss of life and destruction in Iran caused by today's earthquake in Bushehr," said a statement issued here by his spokesperson.

"He extends his sincere condolences to the Iranian government and people, particularly the families of those who have died," said the statement.

The UN chief also extended his "deepest sympathy" to those affected by this disaster.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance and to mobilize any international support that may be needed," the statement added.

At least 37 people died and 850 others injured in the 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Kaki city in Iran's southern Bushehr province Tuesday afternoon, state-run IRINN TV reported.

Some 700 buildings were also seriously damaged, Fereidoon Hassanvand, governor of Bushehr province, was quoted as saying.

The epicenter of the quake, with a depth of 12 km, was initially determined to be at 28.48 degrees north latitude and 51.58 degrees east longitude.

Subsequently, 13 aftershocks hit Kaki, according to Iran's Seismological Center.

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