China allocates relief funds to flood-hit regions

BEIJING - China has allocated 450 million yuan ($72.58 million) from the central budget to four flood-hit regions, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday.

The majority of funds, 250 million yuan, will be channeled to the worst-hit Sichuan Province, southwest China, where rainstorm-triggered floods and a landslide have left at least 58 people dead and 175 others missing.

Some 80 million yuan will go to central China's Anhui Province, while Hubei Province and Chongqing Municipality will each get 60 million yuan, the ministry said.

It noted the money will be used for residents' relocation in the flood-plagued regions, rebuilding damaged homes and as allowance for families of the flood victims.