The Ministry of Finance said on Saturday that, together with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, it would allocate another 347 million yuan (US$48.8 million) as interim subsidies for the residents of winter weather disaster areas.

The two ministries in late January allocated 1.75 billion to aid those living in parts of southern and central China hit by weeks of the severe weather that began in mid-January.

The weather brought long periods of cold, heavy snow and freezing rain to 19 provinces, killing 129 people and causing 151.65 billion yuan in losses.

The government has also earmarked 1.146 billion yuan to help people in these areas rebuild their houses.

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2008)