BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday expressed sympathy to Japan over the powerful earthquakes that has rattled Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan's southwestern Kyushu island.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a press release that China is concerned about the disaster, and expresses condolences over the loss of lives and sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured.

At least 17 people have been confirmed dead after the 7.3-magnitude earthquake on Saturday. Before that, a 6.5-magnitude quake hit the region Thursday night, killing nine. Some 1,500 were injured in the quakes.

At present, there is no report of Chinese casualties, Lu said.

"We will continue to closely follow the disaster situation," said the spokesperson.