MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The Chinese government will allocate 40 million yuan (about $5.9 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to Turkey for earthquake relief and rescue work, China Central Television reported on Tuesday.

According to the broadcaster, the Chinese authorities immediately decided to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Syria and Turkey and activated the corresponding mechanism.

The channel noted that the first batch of urgent aid to Turkey would include 40 million yuan (about $5.9 million). China would send rescue and medical teams to the affected areas, as well as provide money to help the victims.

The report pointed out that the Red Cross Society of China would also give Syria and Turkey $200,000 each, respectively.

The China International Development Cooperation Agency said on Monday that China was in contact with the authorities of Syria and Turkey and was ready to provide them with urgent humanitarian aid.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Kahramanmaras province in southeastern Turkey on Monday night. The tremors, followed by nearly 150 aftershocks, were felt in ten provinces as well as in neighboring countries, including Syria, where major destruction and casualties were also recorded. According to the latest information, more than 2,900 people were killed in Turkey and about 15,800 people were injured.