UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday said he was deeply saddened by the extensive loss of life and the serious damage to homes and infrastructure in the Philippines as a result of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda). "The Secretary General offers his sincere condolences to the people and Government of the Philippines, particularly to those who have lost family members, their homes or have been otherwise affected by this disaster," a UN statement said. United Nations humanitarian agencies and partners are working closely with the Government to support its efforts to assess the situation and respond rapidly to help people in need," it added.