New York  - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed Monday "deep sadness" at the high death toll caused by the earthquake in China's Sichuan province and offered UN assistance for the victims.

He extended also his "deepest condolences" to families of those killed in the earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale.

"The UN stands ready to support the government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster," he said.

The government in Beijing said nearly 9,000 people were confirmed dead and thousands others feared dead while rescue efforts were underway.(dpa)