BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to provide assistance to quake-hit areas in Italy, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

A magnitude 6 earthquake devastated several mountainous towns in central Italy early Wednesday, killing at least 38 people.

China expresses its sincere sympathy to the people affected by the disaster, spokesperson Lu Kang told a press conference.

Lu said the Chinese Embassy in Italy has launched emergency procedures and is closely monitoring the situation, with regards to potential Chinese casualties.