BEIJING, Jan. 27 -- The ministries of finance and civil affairs on Tuesday jointly announced they had released 1.42 billion yuan (about 231.4 million U.S. dollars) to help residents that had suffered as a result of natural disasters.

This was the second batch of money out of 7.1 billion yuan earmarked for distribution before the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 19, according to a statement by the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MOCA).

The first batch, 5.68 billion yuan, was distributed about a month ago.

The MOCA said in the statement that it would ensure residents -- displaced or effected by earthquakes, typhoons, floods, drought and landslides -- would receive the financial assistance in a timely manner around the national holiday.

Cash and items including daily subsistence, clothing and quilts will be distributed to residents, according to the statement.

Residents living at high altitudes, remote areas and the disabled will be prioritized.

Natural disasters killed 1,583 and left another 235 missing in China in 2014. They affected 244 million people and displaced some 6 million.