UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply saddened by the damage and terrible loss of life and injuries caused by the earthquake in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province, said his spokesman on Friday.

The United Nations stands ready to support the government-led rescue and relief efforts, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

The secretary-general extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of Indonesia, it said.

According to the meteorology and geophysics agency, at least 48 people were killed and 356 others injured as strong earthquakes and ensuing tsunami rattled the province Friday.