The third batch of relief materials offered by China left Shijiazhuang City for earthquake-stricken Iran Friday evening, according to sources with the Ministry of Commerce.

The materials include 40 tons of water-purification equipment, tents, blankets, clothes and quilts, and medical equipment.

The sources said that China would also send the fourth and fifth batches of materials to Iran on January 4 and 6 respectively.     

A strong earthquake rocked the city of Bam in Iran's Kerman Province early Dec. 26, leaving tens of thousands dead. The Chinese government decided on the day of the disaster to offer five million yuan (US$600,000) worth of relief assistance.     

In response to a request from the Iranian government Tuesday, China offered a further 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) worth of relief materials to Iran.

The first batch of materials -- five tons of blankets, medicine, generators and other materials -- arrived in Bam on the evening of Dec. 27 together with China's international search and rescue group, in the first relief aid Iran received from the international community after the disaster.

The second batch of relief materials -- eight tons of rents, disinfectants and other drugs -- arrived in Iran Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2004)