Relief plan focuses on rural homes

A major part of the reconstruction fund will be used to help farmers rebuild their homes destroyed or damaged in the May 12 earthquake, the central government said yesterday.

"The government plans to allot 70 billion yuan ($10.14 billion) this year to set up a reconstruction fund for the quake-hit areas, out of which 40 billion yuan will be used to subsidize the rebuilding and repair of farmers' homes," Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu said.

Submitting a report to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Hui said the Sichuan quake was the most destructive to hit New China. It has affected almost all parts of the country, making rescue and relief a big challenge.