Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

China earthquake death toll rises to 34,073

Citizens mourn around candles during a memorial ceremony in Nanning, capital of southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 19, 2008. China began on Monday a three-day mourning for the victims of the 8.0-magnitude quake on Richter scale hitting southwest and northwest China on May 12.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in China's devastating earthquake rose to 34,073 as of noon on Monday, according to the earthquake relief headquarters of the State Council (cabinet).

    Another 245,108 people were injured in the 8.0-magnitude quake that jolted southwestern Sichuan Province last Monday.

    According to the Ministry of Health, about 52,934 people have been hospitalized and 7,979 have recovered, while 3,304 died in hospital.  Full story