(WASHINGTON) - World powers from the United States and the European Union to Russia rallied around China with sympathy and pledges of help after a huge earthquake Monday that left several thousand people dead.

"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible," President George W. Bush said in a statement.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan, flattening schools, factories and leaving at least 8,500 dead, according to the official count.

"I extend my condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims of today's earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. I am particularly saddened by the number of students and children affected by this tragedy," said Bush.

Fifty students were confirmed killed after a school collapsed in the city of Dujiangyan, burying about 900 people, China's state-run Xinhua news agency said.

Bush's sentiments were soon echoed by others across the world.

"The Presidency expresses its deepest condolences to the people of China for the massive loss of life and devastation caused by earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province," said a statement from EU head Slovenia.

"We share the grief of all those who have lost loved ones and express our heartfelt sympathies to those who have been injured and suffered heavy material losses in this catastrophe."

Russia's new President Dmitry Medvedev sent a telegram to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

"I ask you to pass condolences to the friends and family of the perished and wishes for a speedy recovery to all those who suffered," it said. "We are ready to help relieve the consequences of this emergency if needed."

But White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said China had yet to ask for aid, so "what we can do as a country is offer our support and our thoughts and our prayers."

"I think right now the Chinese are gathering information, assessing the damage, seeing what they may or may not need," said Perino.

"And in the meantime, we'll continue to see if there's anything that we can do to help them," she said. "We have a good relationship with the Chinese and that in times of need like this we can come together and help each other."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered her condolences and also a pledge of help. "She confirmed the offer of the German government to send rapid aid," a statement from the government said.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said the news had left him with "profound shock and sadness".

"On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya and on my own behalf, I send this message of condolence and encouragement to the government and the people of China following the tragic loss of lives as a result of the earthquake," Kibaki said in a statement.

burs/ag/shn

Text and Picture Copyright 2008 AFP. All other Copyright 2008 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.