Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent his condolences to the deceased and those affected by a powerful earthquake that rocked China's Taiwan early Saturday.
The Japanese leader said he was deeply concerned by the reports of the devastation caused by the quake, adding that Japan would help China's Taiwan to recover from the tragedy.
"I am saddened to hear about the extensive damage. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to those who died and offer deepest sympathies to the afflicted," Abe said in a message.
Abe's message follows a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 striking southern Taiwan early Saturday, with the death toll standing at at least five people, with hundreds more being injured.
Local TV reports have shown extensive damage to buildings in the region as a result of the trembler, while search and rescue operations have been ongoing in a bid to save those who may still be trapped inside the stricken buildings.