UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is ready to help the victims in the earthquake in China's Sichuan province, said UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Wednesday.

The United Nations extends condolences to the Chinese people and government over the earthquake and is on standby to help, Dujarric told a press briefing.

The spokesman said the Chinese government has lots of experience in search and rescue, but the United Nations is still ready to help should the Chinese government request international assistance.

Nineteen people were killed so far and more than 200 injured when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck a remote area in Sichuan province in southwest China late Tuesday.