China is ready to provide emergency assistance to Vanuatu according to its needs, a spokesman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDA) said today (Wednesday).

A strong earthquake reportedly struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, killing 14 people and injuring hundreds, with some buildings damaged and others collapsing in the capital Port Vila.

Expressing China’s condolences, agency spokesman Li Ming said his country was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and property caused by the earthquake in Vanuatu.