China

Three-day mourning period as death toll rises to 32,000

Article published on the 2008-05-18 Latest update 2008-05-18 16:43 TU

Jinhua village in Sichuan.
(Photo: Reuters)

Beijing declared three days of mourning and a delay in the Olympic torch procession as the death toll rose to 32,476 in the aftermath of the last week's earthquake that hit southwestern China. The government has called for three minutes of silence on Monday, while aftershocks struck the already severely-damaged Sichuan province.

The population of Sichuan province remains on edge as another aftershock, registering 6.0 on the Richter scahle, hit the area. Three people were killed, according to local officials.

"When the aftershock hit, mothers hugged their crying children and tried to confort them, telling them everything would be OK," said local resident Dai Yong.

There have been at least 24 aftershocks of 5.0 or above since the 7.9 earthquake hit last Monday, hampering efforts of the international rescue crews who are still trying to save more than 9,500 people who are still trapped.

Two more people were pulled to safety Sunday after surviving six days under the rubble.

Chinese officials estimate that the death toll could reach 50,000.