Tents, bedding, generators and other relief goods are loaded onto a cargo plane yesterday at Beijing's airport for transport to the United States to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. China has committed to US$5 million in aid along with emergency supplies. [Photo: Xinhua]

A plane carrying China's first batch of humanitarian aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina left Beijing yesterday afternoon for the United States.
The relief goods included power generators, tents, bed sheets and children's clothing, the Commerce Ministry said.
Wang Hanjiang, head of the ministry's Foreign Aid Department, said China would send more relief goods to the storm-struck region "if it is needed."
China announced on Saturday that it would provide up to US$5 million in disaster aid along with emergency supplies.
The Chinese government also offered to send rescue workers to help with medical treatment and disease prevention.
Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast region of the United States on August 29, causing heavy casualties and damage. Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a telegram to US President George W. Bush on August 31 expressing sympathy and condolences on behalf of the Chinese government and people.