US Red Cross donates US$10 million for quake-hit Chinese victims
16/5/2008 17:18
The American Red Cross (ARC) provided US$10 million for China's relief
efforts in the earthquake-hit Sichuan province, the organization said
yesterday.
In a statement, the ARC said the contribution would assist the Red
Cross Society of China, whose employees and volunteers have been helping
survivors since the earthquake struck on Monday.
"Already we have seen a
great outpouring of concern and support from across the United States for those
whose lives were shattered by this disaster," said David Meltzer, senior vice
president of the ARC's International Services.
"We are working closely with
our international partners, including the Chinese Red Cross, to provide vital
assistance to those in need," he said.
The ARC said in the statement that the
Chinese Red Cross "is a very strong organization with extensive experience
responding to disasters in China" that has a long history of working in
partnership with ARC.
The ARC, according to the statement, will continue to
weigh additional support options, which may include additional financial
support, relief supplies or expertise, as the full picture of the disaster
becomes clear.
As of yesterday, the confirmed death toll in the earthquake
was 19,509 in Sichuan province alone and more than 50,000 people are feared
dead.
Xinhua
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