Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message of condolence to President Ramchandra Paudel over the devastating earthquake in Nepal.

In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn of the strong earthquake in Karnali Province, which caused heavy casualties and property losses.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences for the deceased, offered sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Xi stressed that he believes that under the leadership of Paudel and the government, people in the earthquake-stricken areas will be able to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes as soon as possible, adding that China is willing to provide necessary disaster assistance to Nepal.

Likewise, Chinese Premier Li Qiang also extended condolences to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

China has already announced providing relief materials worth Rs100 million to Nepal for earthquake-hit areas as the first emergency response.

On Saturday morning, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to offer assistance to Nepal. “Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal,” Modi wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, early in the day, tagging Dahal. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery.”

The Office of the President said that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a letter to President Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and properties. Ambassadors from several countries have also expressed their grief and sorrow over the deaths of the people due to the earthquake and spoke of their readiness to extend support to Nepal.

Likewise, Turkey on Saturday extended condolences to Nepal over the deadly earthquake that left over 157 people dead.

“We are deeply saddened by the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the Jajarkot region of Nepal, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.