The Red Cross Society of China on Thursday announced that it had received 239 million yuan (US$33.4 million) in cash and relief supplies for areas affected by the severe winter weather.

The materials included coats, quilts, tents, food, medicines and lighting equipment, the Red Cross Society said in a statement.

The snow and icy weather in parts of south and central China since the beginning of the year have killed 107 people and caused 111.1 billion yuan (US$15.4 billion) in damages.

The weather has affected 21 of China's provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, with month-long snow and ice in the worst affected areas.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs said almost 1.45 billion yuan (US$201.3 million) had been donated to the affected areas by Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2008)