MOSCOW, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Chinese living in Russia on Thursday donated some 51,800 U.S. dollars and 1,645,600 roubles in east Moscow for their homeland where a devastating earthquake has claimed more than 19,000 lives.

    People attending the gathering stood for one minute silent tribute to those who died in the earthquake before the donation started.

    Le Yucheng, minister of the Chinese embassy in Moscow, introduced the latest situation in the quake-hit areas and spoke highly of the efforts made by the Chinese living in Russia.

    "We extended deep condolences for the victims of the earthquake, and would like to deliver aid to compatriots who are fighting the disaster," said Li Zonglun, general manager of the Chinese-Russian cultural exchange center in Moscow.

    The donations are to be conveyed to the quake-hit areas by the Chinese embassy in Moscow.

    Chinese living in Russia, including some 120 business leaders, representatives of various organizations, donated some 120,000 U.S. dollars on Wednesday in downtown Moscow.

    A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southwest China's Sichuan province Monday afternoon. The confirmed death toll in the province has reached 19,509.