BEIJING: China expects its people and the international community will provide timely assistance to earthquake's victims in Pakistan as the severe winter has come, said Geng Hesun, a senior leader of China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.

 

"The winter has come with subfreezing temperatures, so a second wave of death may be triggered if the victims do not get enough tents, blankets and food," said Geng at a news conference.

 

The Disaster Relief Programme Department of the China Foundation of Poverty Alleviation, at the invitation of the Islamic Relief Worldwide, recently conducted an investigation in the quake-hit region.

 

Meanwhile, an official of the Chinese commerce ministry in an interview to APP said that China was prepared to take additional measures to help the victims. The Chinese government has already pledged concession loan of $300 million for the repair of Karakoram Highway, the provision of health and educational facilities in Balakot and the establishment of a network of seismic stations throughout Pakistan.

 

This was in addition to $26.73 million in cash and material, already provided by the Chinese friends. "We wish to realize our commitments as early as possible," he added. (APP)