Over 1,300 Chinese people have been killed in natural disasters since the beginning of the year. These disasters have resulted in the direct loss of over 90 billion yuan (US$11 billion).

The Ministry of Civil Affairs says over 1,300 Chinese people have been killed in natural disasters since the beginning of the year.

These disasters have resulted in the direct loss of more than 90 billion yuan, or US$11 billion.

The ministry has been working with the Finance Ministry fundraising 550 million yuan, or US$65 million for emergent disaster relief.

They ensure that the central government's funds will be sent to the disaster-hit regions within three days, and the first batch of relief goods should arrive within 24 hours.

(CRI October 14, 2004)