The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, is to publish a commentary on Thursday urging parts of China not affected by the magnitude 8 earthquake to assist the quake-stricken counties and cities.

Since the May 12 earthquake struck Sichuan Province, 21 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions have made all-out efforts to facilitate quake-relief rescue and reconstruction, which helped survivors to maintain basic living activities, said the commentary.

"These moves have warmed the heart of the quake-affected people and provided homes for them to shelter from wind and rain," the commentary said.

The commentary hailed the assistance program as "an efficient move to help the people in the area to weather the difficulties and a scientific arrangement of quake-relief work."

It said: "The assistance means more than donations of capital and goods ... [it means revitalizing] the quake-devastated places with the support of investment, human resources, technology and equipment."

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2008)