The Chinese government has decided to offer disaster relief up to US$5 million along with emergency supplies to the people in the US victimized by Hurricane Katrina, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Saturday.

The Chinese government will also send rescue workers to help in medical treatment and epidemic prevention in the disaster-stricken areas, if needed, said Qin Gang.

China will keep close contacts with the US on the disaster relief work and join the international community in assisting the local people restoring their homeland, he said.

Hurricane Katrina hit the southern part of the US on August 29, causing heavy casualties and damages.

On August 31, President Hu Jintao sent a telegram on behalf of the Chinese government and people to US President George W. Bush, expressing sympathy and condolences to him, the US government and people for their suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2005)