"I am shocked and horrified by the many lives claimed by today's devastating fires that hit the Pedrogao Grande region of Portugal," Xinhua quoted Guterres as saying in a statement on Sunday .
A raging forest fire in central Portugal sent flames sweeping over roads, killing at least 62 persons, many of them trapped in their cars as they tried to flee, according to media reports.
"Earlier today, I spoke with the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and with the Prime Minister Antonio Costa, to express my deep sadness and condolences to the Portuguese government and people," he said.
"I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. At this time of loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims," he added.
The UN chief commended the government, firefighters, emergency responders and civil society organizations "who are sparing no efforts to battle the wildfire and help people in need".
"The United Nations stands ready to assist in any way possible," he said.
Portuguese Prime Minister Costa called it "the biggest tragedy" that Portugal has experienced in decades and declared three days of national mourning.
(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
About VDC
Doraiah Chowdary Vundavally is a Software engineer at VTech . He is the news editor of SocialNews.XYZ and Freelance writer-contributes Telugu and English Columns on Films, Politics, and Gossips. He is the primary contributor for South Cinema Section of SocialNews.XYZ. His mission is to help to develop SocialNews.XYZ into a News website that has no bias or judgement towards any.