China sends two Y-20 aircraft with humanitarian aid for Pakistan flood victims

Asia-Pacific, News August 30, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

China dispatched two Y-20 military cargo planes containing large volumes of humanitarian aid for Pakistan as the country is grappling with devastating floods and struggling to rehabilitate millions of its flood-affected citizens.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, the Chinese Air Force dispatched two Y-20 cargo planes to Pakistan on August 30, 2022. He stated that “Chinese Air Force dispatched Y20 cargo airplane to deliver humanitarian supplies including 3000 tents to Pakistan. The supplies are expected to arrive at Karachi airport in Pakistan at 4.00 pm.” Zhao further added that China stands with Pakistan and “feels for the difficulties faced by Pakistan.”

The Chinese government has pledged 100 million Yuan ($14.5 Million) for humanitarian assistance in Pakistan, a Chinese official at the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Zheng Yuandong said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has also sent a message to the Pakistani President Arif Alvi expressing his grief and sympathies on the ongoing natural disaster. China’s Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message to his Pakistani counterpart Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In his message to Pakistani President Alvi, President Xi pointed out that the all-weather strategic cooperation and ‘ironclad’ friendship between China and Pakistan have shared weal and woe for a long-time but always emerged stronger. China provided an immediate response to Pakistan after the country suffered a 188 percent increase in rainfall throughout the season accounting for the largest rainfall rates in three decades. Over 32 million people in 72 districts have been affected by the flash floods and at least 1,136 people have lost their lives so far.

Pakistan has been receiving a generous amount of humanitarian aid and financial assistance from other countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.S., the UK, UAE, and several European nations. Turkey sent seven cargo planes carrying relief goods that landed at Pakistan’s Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. UAE has also pledged to send 20 aircraft of flood relief equipment to Pakistan.

*^{AFAD humanitarian aid arrived in Pakistan to support flood-hit victims. (Image Credit: Twitter/@tcsavunma)}*

The United Nations has allocated a fund of $3 million to support flood victims in Pakistan while the European Union announced support of 2.15 million Euros. The UK pledged to provide $1.5 million pounds, the U.S. announced a $30 million grant through its USAID program in Pakistan, while Azerbaijan is providing a $2 million grant to Pakistan.

Pakistani government agencies, armed forces, non-government organizations, and volunteers have come forward to provide relief to thousands of flood victims by providing financial support, food, medicine, shelter, and other supplies.

By S. Bahadur, M. Ahsan