(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Saddened by the loss of life and damage to homes and infrastructure as a result of the earthquake that struck southern China earlier today, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday offered assistance to the rescue efforts, his press office said in a statement.

Offering his condolences to the Chinese Government and the families of those killed, and his deepest sympathies to those affected in this "disaster," Ban said the UN "stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize any international support needed." An 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Wenping in Yunnan province earlier today. According to Xinhua News Agency, the death toll stands at 175, with 1,400 injured.