On April 30, 2011, Chinese President Hu Jintao extended condolences to his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, over the devastating tornados that swept through Alabama and neighboring states. Hu expressed his deep sympathy and condolences to Obama, and through him to the American people, over casualties and property losses. He mourned the dead. The Chinese president said he believed that American people will tide over the natural disaster and rebuild their homes.