China's central government has appropriated 40 million yuan
(about US$5 million) of emergency relief funds to areas hit by
flash floods and geological disasters in the south, caused by days
of heavy rains, according to government sources.
Other sorts of relief funds and materials have also been rushed
to those areas, mainly in the provinces and region of Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Guangxi. Some
of the relief materials were conveyed by the Red Cross, according
to sources with the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
According to statistics announced by the ministry Friday, the
floods in Fujian have caused the death of 25 people and five people
missing. They have affected nearly 3 million people and destroyed
lots of houses.
Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders of the central
authorities have issued instructions ordering relevant government
departments to fully support and coordinate regional disaster
relief efforts.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs, the State Flood Control and
Drought Relief Headquarters, the Ministry of Land and Resources,
the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Railways have
all started relief efforts in their respective fields.
A joint work group of the State Council, headed by vice-minister
of civil affairs Jiang Li, have arrived at the disaster areas to
comfort the victims and direct relief efforts.
The Ministry of Education has rescheduled college entrance
examination in the affected areas.
(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2006)