Chinese President Hu Jintao Thursday sent a message of condolences to his Indonesia counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over the heavy casualties and property losses caused by a strong earthquake in Sumatra.

In the message, Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, offered sincere condolences to the victims and deep sympathies to their families.

The Chinese president expressed the belief that, under the leadership of President Susilo and the Indonesian government, the Indonesian people would be able to overcome the difficulties caused by the earthquake and rebuild their homeland.

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit West Sumatra province Wednesday morning. The death toll caused by the powerful earthquake has risen to 1,100.