China is grateful to the support and assistance provided by the international community for its quake-relief efforts, the State Council said in a proclamation on Monday.

An 8-magnitude earthquake hit Wenchuan, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, at 2:28 p.m. (0628 GMT) on May 12, 2008, causing enormous losses of life and property, the proclamation said.

It said that when the Chinese people were suffering the catastrophe, the international community voiced sincere sympathy and condolences and provided support and assistance in various forms, which fully embodies the nobility of humanitarianism and the friendship to the Chinese people.

"The Chinese government and people express their heartfelt thanks to all the governments, institutions, individuals, international organizations and overseas Chinese that have extended profound sympathies and provided valuable assistance to us," said the proclamation.

The international community's help and support played an active role in China's quake-relief efforts, which have won an initial victory, it added.

"We firmly believe that with the concerted efforts of the people of the whole country and the continuous support from the international community, the people in the afflicted areas are surely able to beat the disaster and rebuild their beautiful homes," the proclamation said.

According to the State Council Information Office, the death toll of the earthquake stood at 69,195 as of midday Monday.

(Xinhua News Agency June, 30, 2008)