Soldiers unload drinking water at an airport in Male, capital of Maldives, in the early morning of Dec. 8, 2014. Two Chinese military aircraft carrying 40 tonnes of drinking water arrived in water-starved Maldives on Monday. (Xinhua/Yang Meiju)

[InKunming--Sister Cities]  Two Chinese military aircraft laden with 40 tons of drinking water left for the water-starved Maldives on Sunday night, according to the Defence Ministry.

The two aircraft from the Chinese air force are expected to arrive at Male, capital of Maldives, at 4 a.m. (Beijing Time) on Monday, the ministry said.

A marine rescue vessel of the Chinese navy has been dispatched to transport about 1,000 tons fresh water to Male on Friday, and it is scheduled to arrive at 3 a.m. Monday.

China has also provided emergency aid in cash in response to Maldivian government's request.

About 150,000 residents are faced with water scarcity in Male after a fire damaged equipments of the Maldives Water and Sewage Company and forced suspension of water supply on Thursday.

A Chinese Air Force Aircraft carrying drinking water arrives at the airport in Male, capital of Maldives, in the early morning of Dec. 8, 2014. Two Chinese military aircraft carrying 40 tons of drinking water arrived in water-starved Maldives on Monday. (Xinhua/Yang Meiju)