Photo:VCG

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed his sadness over the loss of life and damage caused by the powerful earthquake in the Aegean Sea.

Through a statement attributable to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief extended his condolences to the bereaved families and to the governments and people of Greece and Turkey.

"He wishes those injured a speedy recovery. The secretary-general commends the local response efforts underway. The United Nations stands ready to assist if required," said the statement.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale hit the eastern Aegean Sea off Greece's Island of Samos on Friday, the National Observatory of Athens' Geodynamic Institute said.

At least 14 people have died in total across Turkey and Greece, according to media reports.