The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has pledged $US1 million ($A1.06m) ) for relief efforts in regions hit by the earthquake in southwest China.

The donation will be channelled through the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, said the IOC in a statement.

Earlier, the body said its president, Jacques Rogge, had written to Chinese President Hu Jintao to express condolences after the earthquake.

"We send our deepest felt condolences for the victims. The Olympic Movement is at your side, especially during these difficult months. Our thoughts are with you," said Rogge in his message.

The IOC quoted Rogge Monday as saying: "I feel deeply for those affected and join in solidarity with the people of China."

The IOC added that it has sent messages to Lui Qi, the President of the Organising Committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and to his staff.

The Olympic torch relay continued its epic odyssey around China on Tuesday, state media reported, despite the 7.8-magnitude quake that left tens of thousands dead or missing.

China's official news agency Xinhua announced that the torch had embarked on its 12th domestic leg in the southeastern province of Fujian, one day after the quake devastated vast areas of southwest China.

Sun Weide, the deputy director for the Olympic media and communications department, said after the quake that sports venues built for the Beijing
Olympics were undamaged.

"They are earthquake-proof to a high degree and no damage was done," said Sun.

All 31 venues and related sites in Beijing and facilities in six host cities around China were unaffected by the major quake that was felt as far away as Hong Kong and Taipei.
IOC sends $1m for China quake aid

AFP

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has pledged $US1 million ($A ) for relief efforts in regions hit by the earthquake in southwest China.

The donation will be channelled through the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, said the IOC in a statement.

Earlier, the body said its president, Jacques Rogge, had written to Chinese President Hu Jintao to express condolences after the earthquake.

"We send our deepest felt condolences for the victims. The Olympic Movement is at your side, especially during these difficult months. Our thoughts are with you," said Rogge in his message.

The IOC quoted Rogge Monday as saying: "I feel deeply for those affected and join in solidarity with the people of China."

The IOC added that it has sent messages to Lui Qi, the President of the Organising Committee for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and to his staff.

The Olympic torch relay continued its epic odyssey around China on Tuesday, state media reported, despite the 7.8-magnitude quake that left tens of thousands dead or missing.

China's official news agency Xinhua announced that the torch had embarked on its 12th domestic leg in the southeastern province of Fujian, one day after the quake devastated vast areas of southwest China.

Sun Weide, the deputy director for the Olympic media and communications department, said after the quake that sports venues built for the Beijing
Olympics were undamaged.

"They are earthquake-proof to a high degree and no damage was done," said Sun.

All 31 venues and related sites in Beijing and facilities in six host cities around China were unaffected by the major quake that was felt as far away as Hong Kong and Taipei.
Source: AFP