U.S. ready to support international response to Ya'an earthquake

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday that the United States stands ready to support the international response to the disaster in southwest China's Sichuan Province, where a strong earthquake caused massive casualties and damages.

"I join the American people in expressing our sincere condolences for the loss of life and devastation wrought by today' s earthquake in Sichuan Province," Kerry said in a statement issued by the State Department.

"To those affected by this tragedy and to all the people of China, we send our heartfelt sympathies," Kerry added.

A 7-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan county, Ya'an city of Sichuan Province, at 8:02 a.m. Saturday Beijing Time, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center. A total of 160 people were killed and 6,700 injured in the powerful earthquake as of 0:40 a.m. Beijing Time Sunday, according to the authorities.

Special report: 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolts Ya'an, Sichuan