New Delhi, Jan 16 (Inditop.com) President Pratibha Patil Saturday condoled the families of those who perished in Tuesday’s devastating 7.0 force earthquake in the island nation of Haiti.

In a message to President Rene Preval of the Caribbean nation, Patil expressed India’s solidarity with the people of Haiti in the time of grief.

“We are deeply grieved by the immense suffering and devastation caused by the earthquake on Jan 12. Tremendous effort, strength and courage will be required to overcome the pain caused by the loss of lives and to undertake rescue and relief missions, as well as to rebuild the lives of the people,” Patil said in her message.

According to a preliminary estimate by the Haitian Red Cross, 50,000 people were killed in the 7.0 magnitude quake that struck the impoverished nation Tuesday.

India has already announced $6 million in aid to Haiti.