The United States government on Tuesday donated US$150,000 to China for disasters relief in snow stricken areas.

The US ambassador to China Clark T. Randt, on behalf of the US government, presented the donation to the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC).

Randt expressed his sympathy and condolence for the snow-disaster victims, saying that China once made generous donation to assist the US people stricken by natural disasters, such as the hurricanes.

"On behalf of the American people and the government of the United States, I want people of China to know that we stand ready to extend a helping hand," Randt said, noting that the US government was pleased to be able to offer assistance to Chinese victims of the winter storms.

Randt said this donation would be used to help purchase of blankets, clothing and other necessities for the victims.

Wang Haijing, secretary general of the RCSC, expressed appreciation for this donation. He said this donation symbolized the deep friendship between the US people and the Chinese people.

The donation would be well utilized in the disaster relief work as quickly as possible, Wang noted.

Persistent snow since mid-January, the worst in 50 years in central, eastern and southern China, has led to death, structural collapse, blackouts, accidents, transport problems and livestock and crop destruction.

The snow havoc has hit 19 provinces, killed 80 people, toppled about 300,000 homes and damaged over 800,000, and resulted in direct economic losses of about 80 billion yuan (US$11 billion).

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2008)