China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced on Monday that supply of daily necessities for those affected by the mudslides in Gansu and Sichuan provinces was the major task of its work for now.

The MOC ordered local bureaus to ensure supply of goods in the mudslide-struck areas and minimize inconveniences for those affected.

The ministry urged local authorities to help establish supply centers for goods and catering services, trade fairs, and open more mobile retail stores so that people's daily needs could be met.

It also urged local bureaus to strengthen market monitoring of demand and supply, and price changes of goods such as rice, edible oil, meat, eggs, and vegetables.

As of 4:00 PM Monday, the death toll in Zhouqu County in Gansu Province had risen to 1,254, with 490 still missing after devastating mudslides struck the region about one week ago.

Meanwhile, at least 31 people remain missing after another mudslide early Saturday hit Wenchuan County in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2010)