China preparing third batch of emergency relief supplies for Nepal

China is preparing a third batch of emergency relief supplies for Nepal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.

The second batch of China's emergency relief supplies arrived in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on Tuesday afternoon, along with five DNA identification experts to assist Nepal in carrying out related work. Nepal has expressed appreciation for China's additional emergency assistance and technical support, Guo said.

Based on Nepal's needs, China is preparing a third batch of emergency relief supplies, including Bailey bridges, mortuary cabinet, epidemic prevention supplies and emergency communications equipment, Guo said, adding that China will also send a second team of DNA identification experts.

Noting that nearly 100 Chinese nationals are missing in disaster-hit areas of Nepal, Guo said that China attaches great importance to the safety of its nationals and institutions in Nepal and is working with the Nepali side to search for missing Chinese nationals and help evacuate those affected to safe areas.

So far, 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries have been identified as missing in the mudslide disaster in Gyirong County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Guo said.

He added that the Chinese Foreign Ministry had briefed the embassies of relevant countries in China about information concerning the missing foreign nationals and would continue to maintain close communication with the embassies through various channels.