China is ready to provide assistance to mudslide-hit areas of Sierra Leone, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

More than 300 people were killed in a mudslide and flooding in the capital Freetown Monday, according to Sierra Leone's national broadcaster.

The death toll is expected to rise and more than 2,000 people have been left homeless.

China expressed its sympathy to those affected by the disaster, spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press conference.

Hua said the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has launched emergency procedures and is closely monitoring the situation.

No casualties to Chinese nationals have been reported, Hua said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2017)