Beijing, Sep 22 (EFE).– The Chinese government said Tuesday it was working with Chile to provide reconstruction assistance and ship humanitarian aid to the South American country, which was hit by a magnitude-8.4 earthquake last week.

The Sept. 16 temblor killed 13 people, forced more than 9,000 others from their homes and caused extensive damage.

“We can participate in reconstruction work, as per the needs of Chile, to help its people rebuild the country,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

The Chinese Red Cross has sent $30,000 to Chile so far in emergency aid for the victims, Hong said.

The Chinese Trade Ministry, meanwhile, said it was in contact with the Chilean Embassy in Beijing to determine the Latin American country’s needs and provide additional humanitarian aid.

The earthquake caused a tsunami, forcing officials to order the evacuation of more than 1 million people living along the coast. EFE