BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday sent a message of condolences to Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala over a strong earthquake that struck the South Asian country earlier in the day.

In the message, Li said he is "deeply saddened and shocked" by the loss of lives and that many others were injured in the earthquake.

He expressed his deep sympathy to the relatives of the quake victims and the wounded.

The Chinese government is ready to offer support to help Nepal cope with the aftermath of the quake, he said.

He added that, under the leadership of Koirala, the Nepalese government and people would overcome the disaster, and rebuild their homes.