China to provide 50m yuan in aid to Afghan quake victims

KABUL (Pajhwok): China has announced it will provide 50 million yuan (over 7 million US dollars) in emergency humanitarian aid for the victims of the recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.

Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote on his X page on Tuesday that the Chinese government is providing 50 million yuan in urgent humanitarian aid for the earthquake-stricken regions of eastern Afghanistan.

According to him, the aid will include tents, blankets, tarpaulins, food supplies, and other essential items.

He stated that the first shipment of this aid arrived in Kabul by air on September 7, and other shipments will be sent in the coming days.

“Afghanistan has always been a friendly neighbor and strategic partner of China. China will stand with Afghanistan through this difficult time and will work to deliver the necessary aid to the earthquake-affected areas as soon as possible.”

The earthquake occurred last Monday night in the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Panjshir, and Nuristan, with Kunar suffering the most casualties and damage.

According to official statistics, 2,205 people have died and 3,640 have been injured in Kunar.

Officials have also stated that 12 people died and 255 were injured in Nangarhar, while 80 people were injured in Laghman.

It is worth noting that several other countries and organizations have also provided aid to Afghanistan, but the total amount of assistance has not yet been determined.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that 48 countries and international organizations have expressed sympathy and solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan following the deadly earthquake in Kunar province.

sa/ma