Customs expedited clearance procedures for 1,004 batches of quake-relief materials and rescue personnel as of 2:00 PM on Friday, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) said on Friday in a web announcement.

This included 741 shipments of relief materials and rescue and medical teams from 64 countries and regions, the GACC said.

Another 263 shipments included imported food, water-purifying equipment, garments, sleeping bags, tents, medical instruments and communication equipment.

The death toll from the May 12 quake stood at 69,197 as of Friday noon.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2008)