UNITED NATIONS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the devastating earthquakes" that struck Venezuela Wednesday, his spokesperson said Thursday.

"He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

UN agencies in Venezuela, including the Humanitarian Country Team, is mobilizing assistance and working closely with the Venezuelan government and local partners to support the response, the statement said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams, and the Secretary-General welcomed offers of solidarity and support from UN member states at this critical time, the statement said. ■