UN chief saddened by loss of life in tsunami in Indonesia

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life, injuries and damage caused by the tsunami that struck the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Saturday, his press office said Sunday.

The secretary-general extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Indonesia. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured, said the office in a statement.

The United Nations stands ready to support the ongoing government-led rescue and relief efforts, it said.