BEIJING, December 19. /TASS/. Russia is ready to assist China in eliminating the consequences of the earthquake in Gansu and Qinghai provinces through the Emergencies Ministry, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting with the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Qiang.

"I would like to express to you, distinguished Mr. Li Qiang, deep condolences over the loss of life as a result of the devastating earthquake in Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Please express our sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims and wish speedy recovery to all those injured," Mishustin said. "In accordance with the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, we are ready to furnish assistance in eliminating the consequences of the earthquake through our Emergencies Ministry, if our Chinese friends need it."

An earthquake struck China on Monday. A series of tremors of magnitude 6.2 was recorded in Gansu Province. Their source was at a depth of 10 kilometers. The country's authorities have announced the second of four levels of emergency response after the quake in Gansu (the first level is the highest).

According to the latest reports, the death toll has risen to at least 118. More than 1,500 emergency response personnel are involved in the search and rescue operation.