China's earthquake: the most destructive in modern history

Yesterday, Chinese authorities revised the earthquakes magnitude from the initial 7.8 up to 8 on the Richter scale. Premier Wen Jiabao has declared that the destruction caused by the earthquake was the most severe in the entire 60-year history of Peoples Republic of China. The Tangshan quake in 1976 killed up to 300,000 people, but its impact was largely restricted to one city. In Sichuan, an estimated 10 million people have been affected over a huge area.

The confirmed death toll has risen to more than 32,000 and is expected to reach or even surpass the official estimate of 50,000 deaths. More than 220,000 people have been injured. At least 3 million homes have been destroyed and another 12 million damaged. Some 130,000 Chinese troops have been deployed in rescue and relief efforts along with civilian emergency workers. Russia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong, have sent small rescue teams.

China has accepted $1.6 million in US aid. Two US C-17 cargo planes arrived in China yesterday carrying relief supplies. At the same time, Beijing has refused to allow American and British teams in the quake region. While no official reason has been stated, Sichuan houses sensitive nuclear weapon industries and other military projects.

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