LAUSANNE - IOC president Jacques Rogge sent a letter of condolence to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday after hearing about a strong earthquake that hit the southwest part of the country.

A rendering shows the center of the earthquake which hit Wenchuan County of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 12, 2008. IOC president Jacques Rogge sent a letter of condolence to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday after hearing about the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit the southwest part of the country. [Xinmin.cn]

"We send our deepest felt condolences for the victims," the International Olympic Committee president said in the letter, which was written early Monday. "The Olympic movement is at your side, especially during these difficult moments. Our thoughts are with you."

The 7.8-magnitude quake toppled buildings, schools and a chemical plant in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, killing about 10,000 people and trapping untold numbers in mounds of concrete, steel and earth in the worst quake in three decades.

"This appears to be a major disaster, the scale of which is only just becoming apparent," Rogge said in a statement. "I feel deeply for those affected and join in solidarity with the people of China."

The IOC said messages have also been sent to Beijing organizing committee president Lui Qi.