SINGAPORE: President S R Nathan on Wednesday said he is especially saddened by the great loss of lives, which include many children and youths, following Monday's earthquake in China.

In his letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao, Mr Nathan praised how the government has mobilised its people and its "unflagging effort and swift response to the disaster, despite the limitations of the terrain and distance".

President Nathan also said he is confident that under President Hu's leadership, China will quickly overcome the consequences of the tragedy and "restore the people's confidence and resoluteness" in facing such a disaster.

Mr Nathan said he hopes the affected regions will return to normalcy as soon as possible. - CNA/ac

• China quake toll soars as troops rush into heart of disaster zone • HK mounts biggest-ever aid effort for China quake • Towns in China quake zone 'razed to ground' • China starts airdrops into quake zone • Battle to reach survivors as China quake toll rises, air lift relief planned • Aid pledges flood in after China quake disaster