Beijing，February 8, 2023（AseanAll）— On February 6, a strong earthquake of 7.8 magnitude occurred in Türkiye, causing serious casualties in Türkiye and Syria. The Chinese government has provided humanitarian relief to both countries and sent rescue teams to the scene.

On February  7, Deng Boqing, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), took media questions on China's emergency humanitarian assistance to Turkiye and Syria. 

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkiye in the early hours of Feb 6, causing heavy casualties and damage to property in both Turkiye and Syria. The Chinese President has sent messages of condolences to the heads of state in both countries.

Deng said the Chinese government wasted no time in initiating its emergency humanitarian assistance to Turkiye and Syria. China will provide 40 million yuan ($5.90 million) of emergency assistance to Turkiye in the first batch, including the dispatch of heavy urban rescue teams that will leave within a few hours, he added. It will send medical teams to Turkiye in the shortest possible time and provide urgently needed relief materials, Deng said, adding that the country is also coordinating the delivery of urgently needed relief supplies to Syria and speeding up the implementation of the ongoing food aid programs.

Meanwhile, Chinese people from all walks of life are extending a helping hand to Turkiye and Syria, according to Deng. The Red Cross Society of China has provided each country with assistance of $200,000, and local Chinese citizens are collecting tents, blankets and other relief supplies. China's first social rescue force was sent to the disaster-hit area on the morning of February 7 , Deng said.

The Chinese government will continue to provide assistance to Turkiye and Syria within its capacity in light of the development of the disaster situation and actual needs, Deng noted..