Tzu Chi volunteers leave for Afghanistan

HUALIEN, Taiwan-The first batch of aid to be delivered in 2002 will arrive shortly in Afghanistan. The Tzu Chi Afghanistan relief team will also depart on January 7.

Aid will arrive by two routes. One is via Uzbekistan, to the north of Afghanistan. Tzu Chi and Knightsbridge International will deliver relief materials and medical supplies.

The second route goes to western Afghanistan. A team will depart from refugee camps in Iran and will distribute clothes. This relief mission will give immediate aid while Tzu Chi continues to plan long-term relief efforts.