The Chinese central government has earmarked another 1.67 billion yuan (US$213 million) for victims of disasters to make sure they get safely through the winter, said the Finance Ministry Friday.

Since the beginning of the year, 4.9 billion yuan (US$624 million) of emergency disaster-relief funding has already been allocated to disaster-hit regions, the ministry said.

Typhoon-caused natural disasters such as floods, mud and rock slides have lashed the country, leaving catastrophe in their wake. As well as 2,000 dead and 500 missing, millions have been made homeless and economic losses are estimated at around 200 billion yuan (US$25.5 billion).

Funds to rebuild houses for victims are largely managed by local governments, who also help victims apply for bank loans.

China has urged local governments to finish rebuilding two million houses damaged or destroyed in natural disasters before the Spring Festival, or China's Lunar New Year, in February next year.

As winter approaches, China has opened green channels at toll gates for vehicles transporting relief materials to disaster-affected areas.

(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2006)