China sends second wave of aid to Nepal
Beijing (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has once again sent humanitarian aid to Nepal following flash floods accompanied by mudslides that occurred along the border of the two nations.
“The second wave of aid supplies provided by China to Nepal is expected to be dispatched today. These supplies include much-needed items such as drones, equipment and ‘reagents’ for DNA testing, as well as water purification and lighting equipment,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday (1/9).
Previously, Guo Jiakun mentioned that China had provided emergency cash assistance and humanitarian aid to Nepal. The first wave of aid, totalling 50 tonnes, has already arrived in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.
“Chinese DNA testing experts will also soon depart for the disaster-affected areas to assist Nepal in their operations,” he added.
He stated that international rescue and aid cooperation is an important political decision for China in realising its friendship with Nepal.
However, Guo Jiakun admitted that roads and communications remain severed in areas affected by landslides, compounded by significant safety risks due to secondary disasters.
“Intensive rescue and aid operations are still ongoing. China will provide timely updates regarding the disaster and the rescue and relief operations,” he said.
Currently, he noted that China is making every effort to search for and rescue Chinese nationals and foreign nationals who remain missing.
“At the same time, we are maintaining close communication with foreign embassies in China to jointly identify missing foreign nationals and handle follow-up issues appropriately,” he stated.
Following the disaster, Guo Jiakun said that China continues to maintain good communication with Nepal regarding information exchange for search and rescue as well as the prevention of secondary disasters, providing meteorological and hydrological information, professional consultations, and relevant early warnings.
“We will continue to provide strong support to Nepal in disaster management, strengthen cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation, and protect the mutual interests of both nations,” he said.
The death toll from landslides in northern Nepal has exceeded 1,056 people, according to China Central Television (CCTV), citing the Nepalese police on Tuesday (1/9).
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Agency reported that 4,247 people, including 590 foreigners from 39 countries, remain missing. It was also noted that more than 10,000 people, including 323 foreign nationals, have been successfully rescued following the disaster.
China has deployed more than 2,100 personnel for search and rescue operations, along with hundreds of vehicles and thousands of pieces of rescue equipment.