Chinese state media say more than 50,000 people have died in the earthquake that devastated parts of China on Monday. The warning comes after the government confirmed that the death toll had risen to 19,500 Rescue efforts continue to search for thousands still trapped. About 10m people across the Sichuan province have been directly affected by the 7.9 quake.
Chinese authorities say 60,000 quake victims have been rescued and that all affected areas have now been reached. The country is sending 30,000 extra troops to Sichuan to help the 50,000 already involved in rescue efforts. Some soldiers parachuted into the remotest areas, and dropped essential supplies from aircraft. Beijing says it will accept foreign aid and has agreed to help from rescue teams from Japan and Taiwan.
