A Chinese official reiterated here on Monday that the government will make timely delivery of domestic and international donations to quake-hit zones, with total donations having exceeded 10 billion yuan (US$1.44 billion).

Pang Chenmin, deputy director in charge of disaster relief with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said: "We are deeply moved that so many people are warm-hearted enough to donate for the quake-hit regions."

China had received 10.834 billion yuan in cash and goods from donors at home and abroad as of 1:00 PM on Monday, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

All donated supplies including rescue machinery, medicine, medical equipment, food and water are being dispatched to the disaster-stricken areas in a timely manner, he said.

"All the government and non-government organizations dealing with the donations must quickly and transparently deliver donations to quake-hit regions and all the donations must be reported to the public every day through the media," he said.

The National Audit Office said on Friday that it would audit the use of cash and goods for quake disaster regions, to ensure resources were strictly managed and used in a proper and timely manner.

Pang also called on the public to donate through legal channels publicized by the government and vowed to investigate and deal with any attempt to hide, intercept or misappropriate donations.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)