China announces $7.5m humanitarian aid for Afghanistan

China has decided to provide 50 million yuan ($7.5 million) in emergency in emergency humanitarian aid to earth-quake hit Afghanistan_ the Chinese foreign ministry said on Saturday_ reports Reuters.

The aid will include tents_ sheets_ towels_ beds and other materials_ the ministry said in a statement on its website_ reports Reuters.

The 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the country early on Wednesday near the Pakistani border_ about 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast of Kabul which caused death of at least 1500 people.

The first shipment of Chinese aid to be transported to Afghanistan on Monday by charter flight_ Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin confirmed.

China will also work closely with the Taliban government to ensure that aid reaches those affected in time and helps local people overcome the adverse situation_ Wang said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry already said on Friday_ China will send additional emergency humanitarian assistance to Afghans with cash_ tents_ quilts and other supplies being prepared..

China expressed sympathy to Afghan people immediately after the earthquake and expressed readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

The food support promised by China has arrived in quake-hit Afghanistan and is being distributed quickly_ and China is also ready to strengthen cooperation with Afghanistan on disaster prevention and reduction_ Wang said.