UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep sadness over the loss of life, injuries and destruction caused by the earthquake in the Chinese province of Sichuan on Saturday.

The UN chief extended his sincere condolences to the Chinese Government and the people while expressing his deepest sympathies in particular for those who have lost their loved ones or been affected by the latest disaster.

The UN said that it is ready to provide any assistance China needs in restoration and rescue efforts.

As of Monday, some 210 people have been reported dead or missing in the quake-hit Chinese region.