The Chinese Red Cross Thursday donated US$20,000 dollars to the Bangladesh Red Crescent for the 2,500 people in 13 districts of the country affected by monsoon-related flooding and river erosion.

The Chinese government and people are showing much concern over the deteriorating flood situation in Bangladesh, hoping that the Bangladeshi people could overcome all the difficulties in a short time, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Hu Qianwen said on behalf of the Chinese Red Cross.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Chairman Sheikh Kabir Hossain thanked the Chinese government for the donation, saying it would further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Thirteen districts in Bangladesh are seriously affected by the monsoon-related flooding and river erosion this year and 2,500 people have lost their homes and their livelihoods.

Besides the Chinese donation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent started distribution of 312 metric tons of food in hard-hit areas on Wednesday.

"This first phase is just a start," said Bob McKerrow, head of the federation's delegation for Bangladesh.

"We need further financial support to purchase relief goods to help thousands of people affected by monsoon-related disaster," he added.

(Xinhua 09/21/2000)