BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to his Chilean counterpart, Michelle Bachelet, over a strong earthquake that jolted the South American country earlier this week.

In the message dated Friday, Xi said he was shocked by the news of the disaster, which has caused huge losses of human lives and grave property damage.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, I hereby extend profound condolences to the victims, and express heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured," he said.

He voiced his belief that under the leadership of Bachelet and the Chilean government, the Chilean people can overcome the aftermath of the disaster and rebuild their homeland.

According to Chile's National Office of Emergencies, at least 11 people were killed and nine others were injured after an earthquake measuring 8.4 on the Richter scale struck the country on Wednesday.