German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday sent her condolences to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao over the heavy loss of life in the powerful earthquake that hit China's southwestern province of Sichuan.

In an official statement issued on Monday, Merkel said the German government was ready to provide speedy assistance for China.

A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 magnitude struck Wenchuan county of Sichuan Province earlier on Monday, leaving at least 7,651 people died and thousands injured.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)