Xi Jinping, Chinese president and general-secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed his condolences Sunday, Feb. 7, to the victims of the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that hit southern Taiwan early Saturday, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
At least 35 persons reportedly perished in the quake that hit Kaohsiungon Saturday, Feb. 6. at a depth of 15 kilometers.
"We're deeply concerned about the disaster situation. We express deepest sympathies to Taiwan compatriots affected by the quake and convey condolences to victims," Xi said in a statement.
"Compatriots across the Taiwan Strait are one family whose blood is thicker than water, and we would like to provide assistance in all aspects," Xi added.
Addressing a lunar New Year gathering on Saturday morning, Premier Li Keqiang also expressed condolences to the victims as thousands of mainland netizens posted messages expressing sympathy for Taiwan compatriots affected by the quake.
"Let's pray for our Taiwan compatriots," a netizen named Zuo'an Houniao wrote.
The death toll had climbed to 35 by 7:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8.
The report added that 33 persons were killed when the Wei Guan building, the most seriously damaged, collapsed. From the wreckage, rescuers pulled a man in his 20s but later died.
Among the deceased were a 6-month-old girl and her father as rescuers tried to pull more survivors from the collapsed apartment tower on Sunday, Feb. 7.
Taiwan media reported that a 20-year-old man identified as Huang Kuang-wei and another in his 20s surnamed Kuo were saved by rescuers and brought to the hospital.
According to the report, more than 110 people are still trapped and rescuers are rushing to save them.
The report said that more than 600 rescuers, including firefighters and volunteers, as well as 105 fire engines and 44 ambulances, have been mobilized for the rescue efforts.
Previous reports said that more than 460 people were injured. In Tainan, eight buildings reportedly collapsed and five more were damaged.