Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday sent a message of condolence to South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola over the severe flooding in the country.

In his message, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that he was shocked to learn that South Africa's Eastern Cape Province and other regions had been hit by severe rainstorms and snowstorms, which triggered devastating floods, resulting in heavy casualties and significant property losses.

Wang extended his deep condolences over the victims and offered sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

He also expressed his belief that, under the strong leadership of the South African government, the people in the disaster-stricken areas will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes as soon as possible.