BEIJING, May 4 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, on Sunday over a landslide that may have claimed thousands of lives in a northern province.

"I am shocked to learn of the severe incident of landslide taking place in Badakhshan province of your respected country, which has caused huge human casualties and property losses," Xi said in his message.

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, mourned the dead and sent sincere condolences to those injured and to the bereaved families.

Xi said he had confidence in the ability of the Afghan government and people to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland as early as possible.

Xi also said that China was willing to offer support and aid for disaster relief in light of the need of Afghanistan.

The deadly landslide occurred Friday in the mountainous province of Badakhshan. Although there is no official death toll, provincial governor Shah Waliullah Adeeb told Xinhua more than 2,500 people might have lost their lives.