World Bank Group President Robert Zoellick on Friday expressed deepest sympathies on behalf of the Washington-based agency to the people of Japan, especially to those who have lost loved ones in the deadly earthquake and ensuing tsunamis.

"This is a heartbreaking situation and the World Bank Group stands ready to help the government and the people of Japan in the recovery efforts. As the extent of the tragic loss of life and damage is still unfolding in Japan, we are also monitoring potential impacts in countries across the region and are ready to offer our support," Zoellick said in a statement.

"The World Bank has extensive experience in disaster risk management and we are quickly able to mobilize and deploy specialists to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Japan and the region," added the World Bank chief.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2011)