China sends first International Rescue Team to Pakistan following the October 2005 earthquake (Linked to Record ID#35348)

On 8 October 2005, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake destroyed the Kashmir region of Pakistan.

On 9 October 2005, the first Chinese International Rescue Team (CIRT or 中国国际救援队第一批队), sponsored by the Chinese government, arrived in Pakistan to help with emergency earthquake efforts.

The 49-member team-- including 23 search and rescue personnel, 8 medical staff, 18 seismological experts and reporters-- also brought six search dogs, eight tons of search equipment, and nine tons of disaster relief materials. The value of this project is unknown. Loan applications and disbursements are still being received and processed as the projects continue to evolve.

Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are in place to ensure project continuity.