BEIJING, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences on Thursday to Malawian President Peter Mutharika over severe flood disasters that have killed at least 180 in the country.

"I, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, offer my condolences to all victims of the flood disasters," Xi said in the message.

He also showed sincere sympathies to families of the victims and people suffering from the disasters.

"China stands ready to assist Malawi in disaster relief," Xi said, "I believe that the Malawian people will overcome the natural disasters and rebuild their homeland under the leadership of the Malawian government."

Torrential rains have caused enormous damage across half the impoverished southern African country, washing away homes, crops and livestock, and disrupting power supplies.