The headquarters has distributed 2,000 yuan (about US$260) of consolation money to each family, and another 200 yuan of subsidy to each family member, said Huang Longhua, a local official in Tai'an city and head of the consolation work team.

"The trapped miners are the pillar of their families and many families are experiencing financial difficulties in their absence," Huang said.

By yesterday, the team has provided 560,000 yuan to the families. "This is not a big amount, but it helps in some way to comfort them," he said.

Huang said he was particularly moved by an elderly woman when he was giving the consolation money. "The woman's son is still trapped, but she refused to accept the money. She asked me to give the compensation to other families who may need the money more than she does," Huang said.

The consolation team has agreed with local education authorities to subsidize students from the families that are affected. Subsidies range from 1500 yuan to 2500 yuan per child, Huang said.

By yesterday, 259 family members of the trapped miners have received treatment in hospital, and 67 of them remain hospitalized. The hospitals have exempted 100,000 yuan of their medical expenses.

The rescue headquarters has also called in doctors from local hospitals to provide psychotherapy to the families.

The 181 miners have been trapped in coal pits for a whole week after the mines were flooded Friday last week. Rescuers are still striving to pump water to reach them.