China steps in with humanitarian aid offer

China said on Monday that it is willing to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those affected by the tornadoes in the United States.

Xu Wei, a spokesman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, made the offer after at least 30 tornadoes tore through large parts of the central US, affecting residents in six states and killing at least 94 people.

Federal and local officials have said the death toll could still rise.

China expressed deep sympathy to those affected and would like to offer help according to their needs, Xu said in a statement.

Also on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news conference that China expressed condolences over the US losses.

"It is hoped that the injured could recover as soon as possible, and the affected people can rebuild their homes at an early date," Wang said.