The Red Cross Society of China on Thursday announced that it had received 239 million yuan (33.4 million U.S. dollars) 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 (15.4 billion U.S. dollars) 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 (201.3 million U.S. dollars) had been donated to the affected areas by Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2008)