The last financial year saw 19.88 million HK dollars (US$2.55 million) donated from the Disaster Relief Fund to aid people overseas in distress, a government press release said Friday.

For 2006-07, assistance was given through 11 projects operated by six relief organizations to help victims affected by major disasters.

In May and July, six grants amounting to 10.88 million HK dollars (US$1.39 million) were approved for earthquake relief in Indonesia.

In July and August, three disbursements totaling 5 million HK dollars (US$641,026) were sent to flood victims in Fujian, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan and Jiangxi.

Another grant of 1.5 million HK dollars (US$192,308) was made in September for drought victims in Sichuan.

In December, two grants amounting to 2.5 million HK dollars (US$320,513) were disbursed to typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Organizations receiving grants must submit evaluation reports and audited accounts to the Government after the completion of the relief projects.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2007)