WASHINGTON, March 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday expressed his deepest condolences over deaths in the strong earthquake that struck Japan and offered to provide help.
"(First Lady) Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the people of Japan, particularly those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake and tsunamis," Obama said in a statement, adding that the United States "stands ready to help the Japanese people in this time of great trial."
Many were killed and many more injured in the 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture on Friday, which triggered a huge tsunami in coastal areas of Japan and other countries.
"The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy," Obama said.
He said the U.S. would continue to closely monitor the tsunamis around Japan and the Pacific, and he has instructed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be ready to assist Hawaii and the rest of the U.S. states and territories that could be affected. 
