EU ready for assistance to quake-hit area in northwest China: Barroso

BRUSSELS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednsday expressed solidarity with China in dealing with a strong earthquake that struck northwest China's Qinghai Province.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news coming in on the earthquake in China's Qinghai Province," Barroso said in a statement.

The president sent "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the victims and the people of Qinghai Province confronted with the disaster.

At least 400 people were killed and 10,000 others were injured after the 7.1-magnitude quake hit the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu, which lies on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at an altitude above 4,000 meters.