China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has distributed 1.98 million cotton-filled warm clothes and quilts to victims in provinces that were worst hit by heavy snows or icy rains over the past weeks.

Since January 12, freaky winter storms have plagued 19 provinces including southern provinces like Guangdong, Hunan, Guizhou and Jiangxi, where people have rarely experienced and prepared for sub-zero temperatures.

The worst-ever snow disaster has aroused nationwide and worldwide attention. Many foreign governments and overseas Chinese have made donations to the affected areas.

According to official figures, domestic donations for disaster relief have surpassed 1 billion yuan (US$1 is about 7.2 yuan).

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2008)