A second Chinese rescue team left for Pakistan Tuesday to continue relief efforts in the flood-stricken south Asian country.

The 59-member China International Search and Rescue Team, comprises 38 medical workers from the General Hospital of Armed Police Forces and 21 technicians and rescue workers, according to the China Earthquake Administration (CEA).

"China and Pakistan are traditionally friendly neighbors and strategic cooperative partners," said Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun at the send-off ceremony.

"The Chinese people sympathize with the Pakistani people as they suffer the effects of the floods," he said.

In order to provide effective and continuous relief assistance, China decided to send the second rescue team to Pakistan, he said.

Pakistan Ambassador to China Masood Khan said 20 million people had been affected by the floods, and 8 million people were homeless.

Khan said China's help to Pakistan had been timely, substantial and unconditional. He thanked the Chinese people and China International Search and Rescue Team.

Millions of people have moved into relief camps or temporary settlements, where the biggest danger is disease.

"The mission of the second rescue team is to save lives and prevent epidemics in Pakistan," said Liang Liwu, vice-director of the General Hospital of Armed Police Forces.

He said the team would maintain a mobile hospital in the flooded areas, to treat the injured and prevent the spread of diseases.

The rescue team had increased the proportion of doctors who specialized in pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, Liang said.

The medical group included 24 female doctors, who were sent specially to offer medical aid for Muslim women.

The mission also carried more than 8 million yuan (about 1.18 million U.S. dollars) worth of relief materials, including medicines and medical equipment.

The first rescue team will return to China Wednesday, according to the China Earthquake Administration.

China was one of the first countries to respond when Pakistan was hit by the worst floods in 81 years. To date, China's assistance to Pakistan amounts to 320 million yuan.