U.N. Chief Says Ready to Assist Japan After Deadly Earthquake

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday expressed his condolences with the people of Japan after the deadly 8.8 magnitude earthquake and said the United Nations stands ready to assist.
'Japan is one of the most generous and strongest benefactors, coming to the assistance of those in need the world over,' Ban said. 'In that spirit, the United Nations stands by the people of Japan and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time.'
Hundreds are feared dead in Japan's largest ever earthquake and the International Atomic Energy Association has shut down four of the country's nuclear power plants as a precaution. At least 1,800 houses have been destroyed, Japanese authorities said.