China quake toll 'to top 50,000'

More than 50,000 people may have died in the earthquake that devastated parts of China on Monday, state media say.

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.

About 10 million people across Sichuan province have been directly affected by the 7.9 quake, the media said. (More on bcc news)

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(From Real News)
Earthquake in China kills thousands

More than 12,000 people were killed in Monday's earthquake in central China. The 7.9 quake also left thousands buried under rubble, and rescue efforts by 20,000 Chinese security and relief workers are slowly uncovering them. International leaders offered their support, though China is not allowing the entry of foreign relief workers yet.