The quake has also moved the Chinese people on the other side of the Taiwan Straits. Locals on the island haven't hesitated to offer their help to victims in Sichuan. The first batch of relief materials from Taiwan is scheduled to arrive in Chengdu on Thursday.

Over the past two days, enterprises and residents on the island have been making donations to the victims through charity institutions and religious groups.

The Wenchuan earthquake has been making headlines in Taiwan. Over the past two days, enterprises and residents on the island have been making donations to the victims through charity institutions and religious groups. Leading the list are entrepreneurs Wang Yung-ching, who donated 100 million yuan, and Terry Gou, who donated 60 million.

Kuomintang member Hsiao-Yen Chiang

Kuomintang member Hsiao-Yen Chiang said, "The relief materials will be transported from Taiwan directly to Chengdu by a charter flight. It will carry altogether 46 tons of materials, mainly including drinking water, blankets and tents. They are all urgently needed by the disaster-hit areas."

More materials collected by charity groups will be flown to Sichuan by China Airlines later on Thursday. Meanwhile, many rescue teams are getting ready to head out at a moment's notice.

Taiwan's upcoming leader Ma Ying-jeou has personally donated 200 thousand new Taiwan dollars. He also called on the whole Taiwan society to give full support to the survivors.

(CCTV May 15, 2008)