Mainland sends disaster-relief fund to Taiwan

BEIJING - The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has pledged a donation of $100,000 to Taiwan to help local red cross society with its rainstorm-relief work, RCSC said in a press release Sunday.

The fund will be used to evacuate and shelter residents affected by the downpour that began to swept southern and central Taiwan since June 10. It will also be used to purchase relief materials, the press release said.

At least four people were killed in rain-triggered landslides and thousands were evacuated amid the heavy rain, which has also affected the city of Taipei.

Agricultural losses were estimated at about 503.7 million new Taiwan dollars ($16.8 million), according to figures released by the island's agricultural authorities Saturday.

Local red cross organization has helped to evacuate more than 7,000 people and build 39 shelter camps for more than 1,400 evacuees.