The Ministry of Civil Affairs has briefed the media on the central government efforts to resettle the survivors. The Ministry says it will ensure the effective and transparent use of donations and allocated relief funds. It will also provide long-term help for rebuilding homes.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs says more than 360,000 people in the quake zone have now been saved or relocated.

And with over 5-million locals displaced, the ministry is considering short-term and long-term plans for resettlement.

Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Jiang Li said, "We encourage these people first to go to live in homes of relatives and friends, who are not affected by the disaster. Second, All safe public facilities, such as gymnasiums and government buildings are open to displaced people. Third, we are setting up more settlement spots for them. We are trying to ensure homeless people have basic places to live as well as food, drink and other basic necessities. For the next step, we will work hard to solve the problem of post-disaster reconstruction. "

The Ministry will also allocate 600 yuan a month per person for those children, disabled or elderly who lost their means of support in the earthquake.

The ministry also described the adoption measures for orphans.

Li Bo, Dir. of Social Welfare of Ministry of Civil Affairs, said, "Local authorities have taken swift measures to relocate these orphans and children who have lost contact with their parents in social welfare centers. While we ensure their livelihood and medicare, we're trying to find their relatives. After the normal life resumes and their identities are confirmed, the authorities will start adoption work as soon as possible. We'll take emergency measures, allowing applicants to adopt orphans according to law."

China has received tens of billions of donations from home and abroad. The government also allocated billions of relief fund and materials. The Ministry says it will use them in a most effective manner.

Jiang Li said, "The ministry will strengthen the management and supervision of utilizing the donations and allocations. Second, the ministry will ensure the efficiency of utilization. Third, we will keep releasing the information while accepting social supervision. Fourth,the Ministry of Finance and the Auditing Office will join the supervision at the government level."

The ministry has also sent experts to supervise the handling of bodies. The central government will provide a 5,000-yuan subsidy to the family of each victim.

Psychological intervention for survivors is also underway.

(CCTV May 21, 2008)