UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- A UN spokesman said Saturday that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life caused by Friday's dam collapse in Brazil's state of Minas Gerais.

The UN chief extended his condolences to the families of the victims, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the secretary-general, in a statement.

"The United Nations system stands ready to support the Brazilian authorities in the search and emergency relief efforts," said Haq.

At least 34 people were killed after a tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale collapsed Friday afternoon in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The collapse had also caused significant damage to people's homes and the environment.

Rescue operations have been underway, but State Governor Romeu Zema said Saturday morning that there was little chance of finding people alive.