(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-13 19:48

ISLAMABAD  -- Overseas Chinese in Pakistan expressed their deep concern over the strong earthquake hitting southwestern China, saying they will try their best to offer help, a spokesman from Chinese Embassy in Islamabad said on Tuesday.

The overseas Chinese associations in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi and northern Gilgit had contacted the embassy immediately after the earthquake occurred, said Counselor Yao Jing.

"They conveyed their sympathy through the embassy to the earthquake-affected people," Yao said.

Yao said the overseas Chinese in Pakistan are ready to make donation for those who need help and play their due role in relief, reconstruction and medical assistance in the disaster-affected areas.

The deadly earthquake that rocked southwestern China and was felt all across the country and beyond has killed more than 10,000 people by early Tuesday, and the death toll is expected to climb as rescue efforts are intensifying.