BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday sent a message of condolence to his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet over the casualties and property losses caused by the powerful earthquake that struck Chile earlier in the day.

Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government as well as in his own name, extended sincere condolences to Bachelet, the Chilean people and government as well as deep sympathies to the earthquake victims.

Hu said China was ready to offer emergency relief assistant to Chile to help those affected by the earthquake through their difficulties.

Hu said he was confident that under the leadership of the government, Chile would be able to overcome the catastrophe and reconstruct its homeland.

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Chile early Saturday, killing at least 122 people, and Bachelet has declared a "state of catastrophe" in the country.