China vows ¥50m in immediately aid for Afghans

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): China has decided to extend ¥50 million immediately in emergency humanitarian aid to quake-affected areas of Afghanistan.

The June 22 earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, killing more than 1,500 people and wounding nearly 2,000 others.

Tens of thousands of houses were destroyed in the deadliest quake in Afghanistan in the past two decades.

The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad said recent floods impeded rescue efforts in some provinces of the country.

A statement from the embassy regretted the US action to freeze $7 billion in assets of Afghanistan’s central bank and stopping economic aid to the country.

“China never stands idle when its friends are in need. As a friendly neighbour and sincere friend of Afghanistan, the Chinese government and people are concerned about the affected areas and people.

“Several batches of relief supplies have arrived and are being distributed in a fast and efficient manner, and more supplies are on the way,” the embassy added.

The statement claimed China’s rapid action, which could be summed up in three words — fast, solid and considerate — had won praise from the world and the Afghan people.

China has delivered badly-needed materials such as tents, folding beds, blankets and bed quilts, as well as other items, to the disaster-stricken Afghans.

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