Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on Monday sent a condolence message to Chinese President Xi Jinping following a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that had hit the southwest Yunnan Province on Sunday.

"I have learnt with profound shock and deep sorrow the sad news of a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the southwest China's Yunnan Province this Sunday afternoon, claiming at least 398 lives, " Kikwete said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The earthquake also left nearly 2,000 people injured and homeless as well as causing severe destruction of property and infrastructure.

"On behalf of the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to convey my deepest condolences and sympathy to you and through you to the government and the people of the People's Republic of China and particularly to the bereaved families," the president said.