Four Chinese tourists have been confirmed dead in Sunday's tsunami onslaught in southern Thailand and more than 100 remain missing, Chinese officials reported yesterday while also announcing an increase in relief aid to the disaster region.
Authorities said one of the victims was from China's Jiangsu Province, two were from Hong Kong and the fourth from Taiwan Province.
An official at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, revealed that 111 Hong Kong tourists still remain missing.
There was no update on the number of Chinese mainland tourists who haven't been found, though earlier reports put the figure at more than 30.
State officials also reported that 14 Chinese tourists were injured in the tidal waves triggered by the most powerful earthquake in 40 years off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Most of the injured have been flown home, according to authorities.
Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing yesterday that China will provide an additional 500 million yuan (US$60.46 million) in humanitarian aid to the disaster-stricken countries.
The Chinese premier made the announcement while meeting with diplomatic envoys from the Indian Ocean nations swept by the tsunamis and with representatives of international relief organizations.
"We feel the same sadness that you do ... Everyone in China is deeply concerned with the pain you have suffered and the difficulties you are facing," the Chinese premier told the diplomats.
Shortly after the catastrophe struck, the Chinese government offered 21.63 million yuan in aid to the affected countries.
Several Chinese relief and medical teams have been sent to Thailand and Indonesia to help search for victims and treat the injured.
Aa Kustia, Indonesia's ambassador to China, said the Indonesian people have been encouraged by China's contributions of food, medicine and clothes.
He said he was also grateful to China for sending medical teams to his country.
Nihal Rodrigo, Sri Lankan ambassador to China, said he was deeply touched by three Chinese students who came to the embassy to donate 200 yuan.
Henk Bekedam, representative of the World Health Organization in China, said the Chinese government offered help promptly, demonstrating the friendship between China and the tsunami-hit countries.