BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese central government has allocated 5.7 billion yuan (about 865.6 million U.S. dollars) in relief funds to help people in disaster-hit regions get through the winter.

The fund will help solve difficulties caused by disasters, including food shortages and inadequate clothing and heating, during winter and spring, according to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

County-level authorities must make sure the money reaches those in need within 15 working days of receiving the funds, said the statement.

The ministry also requires complete transparency in distribution and enhanced supervision.

In October alone, natural disasters such as floods, typhoons and extreme cold weather affected over 17 million people in China.

More than 13,000 houses were destroyed and another 53,000 were damaged to varying degrees.