International community expresses condolences over China earthquake

Displaced people carrying their quilts walk in the quake-hit Gucheng Village, Longmen Township, Lushan County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 20, 2013. A total of 152 people had been killed in the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan's Lushan as of 8:30 p.m, according to the China Earthquake Administration. <Xinhua/Fei Maohua>

Some countries Saturday conveyed condolences to China over a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, which has killed at least 124 people.

In a message sent to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences on Saturday over the devastating earthquake and said that Russia is willing to provide assistance to China’s disaster relief operations.

Also in a message to Xi, Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete expressed deep condolences to the victims of the earthquake on behalf of the Tanzanian government and people and in his own name.

Meanwhile, countries like Germany, Japan, Thailand and Nepal also conveyed condolences to China over the quake in various forms.

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan county of Ya’an City in Sichuan Province, southwest China, at 8:02 a.m. Beijing time (0402 GMT). At least 124 people have been killed and over 2,500 others were injured. <Xinhua/Newsis>