UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply concerned about the devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.

    In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban said he has been following with mounting concern the devastation in Bangladesh resulting from Cyclone Sidr.

    He expressed in the statement the full solidarity of the UN system at this time of crisis, and reiterated that the organization is ready and willing to help them respond in any way possible.

    The UN chief also noted that the U.N. agencies on the ground are already responding to the basic needs of those affected, and the assessment teams are on the spot.

    "We have made clear that several million (U.S.) dollars are available from the Central Emergency Response Fund depending on need," he said.

    The cyclone hit into Bangladesh's southern coastline on Thursday. The death toll rose to 2,217 as rescuers frantically looked for thousands of people missing in the coastal districts of Bangladesh.