World leaders send condolences to Chile

Chinese President Hu Jintao has sent a message of condolence to his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet. He says China is ready to offer emergency relief assistance to the country.

The international community is responding quickly to the 8.8-magnitude quake, offering sympathy and aid.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says his organization is following developments in Chile, and is ready to provide immediate assistance.

Meanwhile, Germany is sending a team of experts to the country to offer technical help.

The US also says it is on standby to offer aid.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "The United States stands ready to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts and we have resources that are positioned to deploy should the Chilean government ask for our help."

Latin American leaders have also shown solidarity for the quake victims.

Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan President, said, "We feel for their pain and their dead and their displaced. Long live Chile. The Venezuelan people send their sympathies to the Chilean people."

Alvaro Urive, Colombian President, said, "From here we are following our brothers from Chile in this tragedy of nature. Colombia is fully available to help the government of Chile, and the people of Chile in this very difficult time."

Rafael Correa, Ecuadorian President, said, "We are willing to give anything we can, unconditionally. We are poor but have a great heart. We have solidarity. Our Chilean brothers know they can count on us for whatever they need."

In Port-au-Prince, Haitian President Rene Preval visited the residence of the Chilean ambassador to extend his condolences.

Other countries, including Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, the UK and Canada have also expressed their support for Chile and pledged to offer aid.