MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences on Saturday over a devastating earthquake in China's southwest Sichuan province and proposed assistance.

In a telegram sent to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Putin said "Russia is ready to offer help, if needed, in liquidating the consequences of this devastating disaster."

Russian Emergency Situations Ministry spokeswoman Irina Rossius said Russia would send "rescuers, a mobile hospital and humanitarian cargoes" if China asks for help.

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan county of Ya'an City at 8:02 am Beijing time (0402 GMT). At least 124 people have been killed and over 3,000 were injured.