Government Fears Quake Death Toll in China Could Reach 50,000

The Chinese state media said that more than 50,000 people may have died in the earthquake that devastated parts of the country on Monday. The warning came after the government confirmed the death toll had risen to 19,500, as rescue efforts continue to search for thousands still trapped.

Published on May 15, 2008

About 10 million people across Sichuan province have been directly affected by the 7.9 quake, the media said.

China is mobilizing 30,000 extra troops to Sichuan to help the 50,000 already involved in rescue efforts.

Beijing says it will accept foreign aid and has agreed to help from rescue teams from Japan and its rival Taiwan.

Correspondents say the death toll, which rose from 14,866 on Wednesday, is expected to rise further as rescue workers dig more victims out of collapsed buildings.