First batch of aid bound for Africa

TIANJIN - China sent 1,440 tons of wheat from its Tianjin Port to Ethiopia on Friday, the first batch of aid goods the country has supplied to relieve the current drought in the Horn of Africa region.

The region, which includes Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and four other countries, is seeing its worst drought in 60 years. The dry conditions have given rise to a severe famine and left about 12.5 million people in need of assistance.

"The wheat will be in the hands of Ethiopian people at the end of this month and more aid will also be sent later this month," said Ren Nuo, an official with the Ministry of Commerce's department of aid to foreign countries.