Russia delivered on Monday the fifth batch of humanitarian aid to China where a devastating earthquake has claimed more than 34,000 lives.

One of the two Il-76 cargo planes, loaded with the aids, took off Monday evening and the other's departure is scheduled in the next hours, according to officials of the Emergency Ministry.

Those planes will carry tents, blankets, a mobile hospital and medicine to southwest China's Sichuan Province which was jolted most by the 8-magnitude quake last Monday, Itar-Tass reported.

So far, Russia has delivered some 120 tons of humanitarian aid to Sichuan.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has expressed appreciation to the international community, including Russia, for their humanitarian aid and rescue efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)