BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday sent a message of condolences to Cuban leader Raul Castro to mourn the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in eastern Cuba.

He expressed his deep sympathy with the Cuban government and people over the huge property losses and serious impacts on people's livelihood caused by the massive storm.

Hu said he was confident that under the strong leadership of the Cuban party and government, the Cuban people will certainly conquer the natural disaster, restore order to their production and lives, and rebuild their homes.

People walk on a street littered with debris after Hurricane Sandy hit Santiago de Cuba Oct 26, 2012. The Cuban government said on Thursday night that 11 people died when the storm barrelled across the island, most killed by falling trees or in building collapses in Santiago de Cuba province and neighbouring Guantanamo province. [Photo/Agencies]

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also sent a message to his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez to express his sympathy over the hurricane attack.

Eleven people were killed Thursday as Hurricane Sandy battered the eastern provinces of Cuba, damaging homes, schools and hospitals, and knocking down trees and power lines.