(BEIJING) - The European Union Friday pledged two million euros (three million dollars) to in aid China following a devastating earthquake that has left tens of thousands of people dead.

In a letter to Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming, EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel expressed his "sincere condolences" to the families of the victims.

A specialised assessment team was sent to the southwest province of Sichuan as soon as news of Monday's earthquake emerged, Michel said.

"On the basis of the team's report, I have ordered the release of two million euros towards the immediate relief efforts," he wrote in the letter.

Officials estimate the 7.9-magnitude earthquake -- China's deadliest natural disaster in a generation -- has killed more than 50,000 people.

More than 4.8 million people have been left homeless, Sichuan vice governor Li Chengyun told a press conference earlier on Friday.

The EU donation would mostly be channelled through the International Federation of the Red Cross, Michel said, and used to provide relief supplies to the quake-stricken areas, including tents, clothing and food parcels.

Several nations have already donated emergency aid to China.

Japan and India, for example, have both pledged five million dollars worth of aid, and South Korea has given one million dollars.

Other countries have sent rescue teams to help with aid efforts, including Russia and Singapore.

Text and Picture Copyright 2008 AFP. All other Copyright 2008 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.