The Red Cross Society of China on Thursday announced that it had
received 239 million yuan (33.4 million U.S. dollars) in cash and
relief supplies for areas affected by the severe winter
weather.
The materials included coats, quilts, tents, food, medicines and
lighting equipment, the Red Cross Society said in a statement.
The snow and icy weather in parts of south and central China
since the beginning of the year have killed 107 people and caused
111.1 billion yuan (15.4 billion U.S. dollars) in damages.
The weather has affected 21 of China's provinces, autonomous
regions and municipalities, with month-long snow and ice in the
worst affected areas.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs said almost 1.45 billion yuan
(201.3 million U.S. dollars) had been donated to the affected areas
by Saturday.
(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2008)