Beijing: The toll in last week's devastating earthquake in China rose to 34,073 Monday, relief headquarters of the State Council said.

The quake, measuring eight on the Richter scale (according to a latest government report), jolted the south-western Sichuan Province May 12, killing and wounding thousands of people in the aftermath.

Officials said around 245,108 people were injured in the quake.

According to the health ministry, some 52,934 people have been treated and 3,304 people died in hospitals.

China Monday announced a three-day mourning exactly a week after the devastating earthquake.

The flag will remain half-mast during the period and all public entertainment facilities have been suspended.

Meanwhile, the government has boosted the rescue work in quake-hit areas. More people have been brought in to help in the rescue efforts.

The civil affairs department and the army have sent more than 250,000 tents, 723,500 quilts, 1.78 million clothes, food and drinking water worth 34.22 million Yuan ($4.96 million) to the quake-hit regions.

According to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), power supply to all quake-hit counties has been restored, except Beichuan, Maoxian and Wolong Counties.

Meanwhile, IDR satellite devices have been provided for 76 of the 109 quake-hit townships where telephone lines were damaged.

 

Source : IANS