China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has distributed 1.98 million
cotton-filled warm clothes and quilts to victims in provinces that
were worst hit by heavy snows or icy rains over the past weeks.
Since January 12, freaky winter storms have plagued 19 provinces
including southern provinces like Guangdong, Hunan, Guizhou and
Jiangxi, where people have rarely experienced and prepared for
sub-zero temperatures.
The worst-ever snow disaster has aroused nationwide and
worldwide attention. Many foreign governments and overseas Chinese
have made donations to the affected areas.
According to official figures, domestic donations for disaster
relief have surpassed 1 billion yuan (one U.S. dollars is about 7.2
Chinese RMB yuan).
(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2008)