The Hong Kong government on Wednesday gave 350 million HK dollars (44.9 million U.S. dollars) for quake relief, following Macao government's lead on Tuesday when it gave 100 million yuan (14.2 million U.S. dollars) and the Macao Foundation earmarked 10 million yuan as financial aid.

People from different circles of the two regions have also donated nearly 200 million HK dollars, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said Wednesday.

The Hong Kong government has also sent a professional rescue and relief team to the quake-hit areas, according to the office.

An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale jolted Sichuan Province at 2:28 p.m. Monday and was felt widely across China. In Sichuan alone, the death toll was announced to have exceeded 12,000.

Up to now, the majority of nearly 400 Hong Kong tourists stranded in Sichuan have been evacuated from quake areas. One very seriously injured person is out of danger after treatment.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2008)