Sichuan Earthquake 2008

A major earthquake struck China on May 12, 2008. The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.9 magnitude quake was centered near southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The earthquake hit in the middle of the day, when most schools and office buildings were full. Reports say several schools collapsed, trapping an unknown number of children.

The massive quake was felt throughout most parts of China, and beyond. Tremors were reportedly felt as far away as Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan.

Since the initial May 12 quake, there have been hundreds of smaller tremors and aftershocks in the region, leaving people nervous and on edge.

On Monday, May 19, China began a three day period of morning for those lost in the disaster.

On May 22, 2008, Chinese government officials said the death toll had risen above 51,000, with nearly 30,000 people missing. The number of injured, officials said, had surpassed 288,000.

China's government has reportedly allocated $10 billion for reconstruction efforts in the most heavily damaged areas.

A powerful 6.0 magnitude aftershock that struck about 15 minutes after the initial quake is now blamed for the collapse of Juyuan Middle School in the city of Dujiangyan.

Rescue workers frantically dug through the rubble of the school, trying to rescue as many as 900 students who were inside the three-story building before it crumbled.