The Chinese Red Cross Society on Friday presented a donation of US$20,000 to help the flood-afflicted areas in Indonesia's North Sumatra Province, where at least 113 people have been confirmed dead so far and 146 were reportedly missing.  

"Although the donation is not huge in amount, it expresses the sincerity of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to help the Indonesian government and people overcome difficulties," Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shumin said in Jakarta when handing the donation to Mari'e Muhammad, director of the Indonesian Red Cross Society.

"I'm confident that with the guidance and leadership of the Indonesian government and the joint efforts of the Indonesian people, and also with the care and help from the international community, the people in the afflicted areas will win the fight against the catastrophe and then rebuild their hope," the ambassador said.

Besides human casualties, the flash flood that occurred at the Langkat tourist resort on Sunday destroyed more than 400 homes, cottages and other buildings, while more than one hundred people are still missing.

"I'm afraid the death toll could reach some 200," Muhammad told reporters here.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2003)