China offers aid to quake- hit Japan

Beijing, Mar.12 (ANI): China is ready to take part in rescue operations in Japan after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami, hit the country on Friday.

" Authorities have put quake relief personnel, equipment and medicine in place, ready to depart for Japan at any time, " said China Earthquake Administration chief Chen Jianmin.

China is well versed in disaster relief work, particularly with earthquakes. A massive 8-magnitude tremor hit the southwestern province of Sichuan in May 2008, leaving nearly 87,000 dead or missing, the Chin Daily reports.

Another 5.8 magnitude earthquake had struck Yingjiang county in China's Yunnan province on Thursday.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, offered condolences to Japan in the wake of the destruction caused by the earthquake and the tsunami. He also expressed offered help in carrying out rescue operations in the areas that were affected. (ANI)