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)
