Magnitude 7.1 quake strikes Sichuan-Qinghai border, hundreds dead

A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck the Sichuan-Qinghai border shortly before 8 this morning. Hundreds have been reported dead and thousands injured.

Statistics as of 2 p.m. Wednesday:
-At least 300 people confirmed dead
-At least 8,000 injured
-85 to 90 percent of homes in Jiegu Township destroyed
-Search-and-rescue teams have been deployed to the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province

Over 600 armed rescuers have arrived from the Qinghai police squad, and a 2,000-strong team of civilians and soldiers are on their way. Beijing has deployed a 15-member rescue team from the China Earthquake Authority, and dozens of other rescuers from Qinghai and Qamdo, Tibet, have left for the area. Supplies are being airlifted from around the country.

Click here for information on donating to relief efforts via the Red Cross of China.

No casualties have been reported in Sichuan, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is located 200 km away from the epicenter, seems to have been spared of damage.

We will provide updates as they are available.