The American Red Cross (ARC) provided US$10 million for China's relief efforts in the earthquake-hit Sichuan Province, the organization said Thursday.

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 Thursday, the confirmed death toll in the earthquake was 19,509 in Sichuan Province alone and more than 50,000 people are feared dead.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)