Singapore  - Singapore is sending a 55-member disaster assistance and rescue team to China's earthquake-hit Sichuan province, where the death toll may have reached 50,000, the foreign ministry said on Friday.

The team, flying to the provincial capital of Chengdu, was led by commander Francis Ng How Juah.

China's state media said on Thursday 20,000 deaths have been confirmed since Monday's 7.8-magnitude quake and 30,000 people were missing.

The city-state has donated 200,000 US dollars while several companies with a presence in and around the quake zone have pledged substantial sums. Wilmar International Limited, an agri-processing company, is contributing 2.8 million US dollars.

The predominantly Chinese city-state has long maintained warm relations with China.

In a condolence letter sent by Singapore President SR Nathan to China's President Hu Jintao, Nathan said, "Your government's unflagging effort and swift response to the disaster, despite the limitations of terrain and distance, and the mobilization of all your people is highly commendable."

He expressed confidence that China will "quickly overcome the consequences of this tragic event and help restore your people's confidence and resoluteness in facing such unforeseen disasters." (dpa)