The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has increased its appeal for China's earthquake to 96.7 million Swiss francs (about US$92.7 million) to support some 500,000 people in three years.

"People have lost so much and are very uncertain about their future...we need to ensure that they are receiving the support critical to long term survival," Pablo Medina, IFRC operations coordinator for China's earthquake, said in a statement released late Friday.

"The Red Cross Society of China has been working around the clock to provide basic relief, medical and shelter assistance and we are fully committed to supporting their efforts in any way we can," he said.

In the immediate term, the IFRC will support Chinese Red Cross volunteers and staff to meet the most critical needs of survivors, including emergency shelter, psychosocial support, the prevention and control of disease outbreaks, water and sanitation.

To this end, the IFRC is sending 100,000 tents to the affected areas.

In addition, a Red Cross Red Crescent mass sanitation unit has been deployed in the affected area. Once operational it will provide sanitation facilities for 20,000 people.

In the longer term, the IFRC efforts will focus on the construction of health centers and schools, along with permanent homes for about 2,000 rural families whose houses were completely destroyed in the May 12 earthquake.

A significant focus for the ongoing IFRC operation will be to continue close collaboration with the Red Cross Society of China as they strengthen and develop their disaster management, health, water and sanitation capacities.

The IFRC issued a preliminary emergency appeal for 20 million Swiss francs (about 19.3 million dollars) on May 15.

Till midday Saturday, the 8.0-magnitude quake with its epicenter in Wenchuan County of southwestern Sichuan Province has killed 68,977 people, injured 367,854 and left 17,974 missing.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2008)