Thursday, October 27 2005 10:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: China has announced additional emergency supplies and cash aid to quake-hit Pakistan and promised more assistance through the bilateral channel.

The newly-announced aid package consists of cotton tents, blankets and stoves worth 500,000 yuan (US$ 61,730), a senior official said.

"Given the emergency of the disaster relief effort, China commits to deliver this batch of goods within one week.To the people in need," Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce, Huang Hai said at a ministerial-level meeting organized by the UN on assistance to communities affected by the earthquake, in Geneva.

"Moreover, the Chinese Government, in line with the actual need of the disaster area, will shortly announce further assistance measures to Pakistan, which will include additional grant through bilateral channel," he was quoted as saying by sources today (Oct 27, 2005).

On October 9, the next day of the earthquake, the Chinese Government announced to provide Pakistan with cash and goods worth US$ 6.2 million, which have been delivered.

China has also sent to the disaster area a 50-member international rescue team consisting of technical experts on building structure, telecommunication, earthquake forecast, earthquake geology, and equipment needs.