|
The worst earthquake to have hit China in the last three decades on Monday, May 12, 2008 will result in a massive death toll, according to latest official reports. The death toll by Tuesday is feared to have climbed more than ten thousand. Still, thousands of people are believed to be trapped under crushed houses, work places and schools. The 7.8 magnitude quake has been the most severe on school children and teachers. Amongst those killed, at least one thousand are school children.
The previous death toll reports, which came from disaster relief headquarters stood at 8700, including 8533 confirmed dead in Sichuan province alone. The toll was the highest in the Sichuan province as it was the epicenter of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Chinese premier Wen Jiabao claimed that the situation is worse in southwest China than they had previously estimated.
Transport and communication networks have also been thrown into chaos after the powerful earthquake struck the region. Since the earthquake hit in the middle of the school day, more than eight schools are reported to have been toppled in the region.
World powers including United States, the European Union, Japan and Russia have rallied around China pledging help and extending sympathy. US President George W Bush in a statement remarked that the prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. He further added that the United States stands ready to help in any way possible. The massive earthquake struck southwest China on Monday at 2.28 pm.
World powers including United States, the European Union, Japan and Russia have rallied around China pledging help and extending sympathy. US President George W Bush in a statement remarked that the prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. He further added that the United States stands ready to help in any way possible. The massive earthquake struck southwest China on Monday at 2.28 pm.
