A huge earthquake struck western China today, killing at least 107 people and trapping more than 900 students beneath a collapsed high school. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Sichuan Province raised immediate concerns that the death toll could rapidly rise.
The state media said “rows of houses” had collapsed near the earthquake’s epicenter. By early evening, state media had reported 107 deaths and 34 injuries. CNN is hearing reports that the death toll may already be in the several thousands.
The last earthquake of this size was in 1976, when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Tangshan. It left more than 240,000 people killed and nearly every building destroyed.
Update: CNN is now reporting that as many as 3,000 people are now feared dead.
Update: To see video taken during the quake, read more.
my thoughts and prayers to all the victims and their families. This is truly devastating and I hope the Chinese government and other relief organizations can quickly and safely save as many lives as possible.