The ministries of finance and civil affairs on Wednesday allocated 280 million yuan (45.6 million U.S. dollars) to the rainstorm-hit provinces of Hubei, Sichuan and Shaanxi.

The funds will be used for the urgent resettlement of locals, basic supplies, reconstruction of damaged houses and compensation for families of the deceased, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Heavy rains and ensuing floods hit the three regions between Sept. 9 and 19, ruining houses and crops.

Sichuan provincial flood control authorities reported on Sept. 16 prolonged rainy weather had affected over 2.5 million people and forced 160,000 to relocate in advance, with six deaths.

Prior to the funds, the ministry sent special teams to the provinces to review damages and guide local relief efforts. It also provided tents, cotton quilts and folding beds.