Q: It was reported that magnitude-6.2 earthquakes hit Herat province in western Afghanistan on October 7 local time, killing more than 2,000 and injuring nearly 10,000 so far. Are there any Chinese casualties in the earthquakes? Will China provide disaster-relief assistance to Afghanistan?

A: China noted that the devastating earthquakes which hit Herat province in Afghanistan caused heavy casualties. We deeply mourn for the victims and offer our sincere sympathies to the injured and the families who have lost loved ones. We believe that the people of Afghanistan will overcome the impact of the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date. We will do our best to assist in Afghanistan’s disaster-relief efforts in light of its needs.

We’ve been checking with various sources and so far found no injuries or deaths of Chinese nationals in the quakes.