“Having learned the sad news of the earthquake that hit the Tibet Autonomous Region causing numerous victims and injuries, as well as extensive damage in several counties, I would like to extend to you, Mr. President, the most sincere condolences of the Italian people and the expressions of my personal feelings of condolence,” Mattarella said in the message.
“The Italian Republic is close to the mourning of the friendly Chinese people and, in particular, to the grief of the families of those who lost their lives due to the earthquake.
“We wish the injured a prompt and complete recovery, with our thoughts also turned to the important effort that the rescue teams are making in these hours.
“In a spirit of friendship and shared solidarity.”
More than 400 people trapped by a strong earthquake that struck the foothills of the Himalayas have been rescued, Chinese authorities say, while over 30,000 residents have been relocated, as rescuers continue the search for survivors.
The magnitude 6.8 quake’s epicentre was in China’s Tibet region, about 80 km north of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.
Tremors also shook buildings in neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and India.
At least 126 people were known to have been killed and 188 injured on the Tibetan side, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported.
ANSA/AAP
