A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwest China's Qinghai Province early on Wednesday, the China Earthquake Networks Center said. (Xinhua/Meng Lijing)

WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Wednesday sent the "deepest condolences" to the Chinese people for a deadly earthquake in China's Qinghai Province that claimed some 500 lives.

"The American people are saddened by the loss of life and the devastation caused by this disaster," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs in a statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured or displaced, and all the people of China in this difficult period. We stand ready to assist in any way possible," said Gibbs.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit northwest Qinghai early Wednesday morning local time. The death toll has so far reached 589, according to the latest reports from local quake- relief headquarters.