The death toll in the 7.1-magnitude quake that hit Yushu in China's southern Qinghai province early on Wednesday rose to at leat 791 on Friday, with 11,486 injured, and 294 missing.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday told quake-affected people in Yushu to “help and care for each other, fight shoulder to shoulder and unite as one to overcome difficulties.” Mr. Wen concluded a two-day visit to the area on Friday. He visited quake-devastated schools, orphanages, monasteries and camps for quake-displaced people, conveying his sympathy and concern on behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council to the quake victims.
The quake also flattened 15,000 residential buildings in Gyegu town near the epicentre and many people are believed to still be trapped under the rubble.
Mr. Wen also visited orphans in the orphanage of Yushu prefecture. Most of the 208 orphans there were Tibetans. The orphanage's gate and dormitory were destroyed by the quake. Fortunately, the dining hall, where 202 children were having breakfast when the quake hit Yushu, had remained intact. Teachers and students successfully rescued six children who were under dormitory debris.
