Fifteen Britons 'missing' following China quake

Fifteen British tourists unaccounted for following yesterday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China, state media reports
Fifteen British tourists unaccounted for following yesterday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China, state media reports
 
 

Tuesday, 13, May 2008 04:35

Fifteen British tourists are unaccounted for following yesterday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China, it has been claimed.

The official Xinhua news agency quoted a Sichuan provincial official as saying the group was "out of reach" in Wenchuan, the epicentre of the quake.

He said the Britons were most likely in Wolong, home to a giant panda research centre.

At least 9,219 people have been killed by Monday's earthquake, including 37 tourists whose coach was buried by a landslide in Maoxian county in Aba prefecture.

A further 2,000 are still stranded in the Tibetan-Qiang autonomous prefecture.

British travel association Abta says 100 UK customers have so far been accounted for in China, with the majority of travel companies yet to report back.

A spokeswoman at the UK Foreign Office told inthenews.co.uk that British staff were working closely with Chinese authorities on the ground.

"There are no confirmed reports of any British casualties but we are aware that there are British tourists in the affected area," she said.

"We are working around the clock trying to establish there whereabouts."

Foreign secretary David Miliband said Monday's earthquake was a "further and tragic shock" to a region already suffering with the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in Burma.

"Emerging news of the loss of life and devastation in China is deeply saddening," he continued.

"My thoughts are with the Chinese people and those families who have suffered loss. The Chinese government are to be commended for their quick and efficient response. The UK stands ready to assist."

The Foreign Office has set up a dedicated phoneline in Beijing for Britons concerned about friends and family travelling in China on +86 10 5192 4499


Grand National runners that meet the requirements in 2011

There are going to be forty Grand National Runners this Saturday all lining up at Aintree and picking the Grand National winner is always a difficult thing to do.

Gold Cup 2011 odds point to Imperial Commander as the winner

The latest Gold Cup Odds are not only important because they represent how much you can win on the race.

Cheltenham Gold Cup runners and best bets

Fourteen runners have been declared for the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 and the question on many people's lips will be.

Cheltenham Gold Cup 2011 runners and odds

The Cheltenham Gold Cup Runners have now been confirmed. As long as there are no late withdrawals there will be 14 Cheltenham Gold Cup runners.

Cheltenham Festival stats and tips should mean more winnings and winners

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway next week and one of the most popular methods of picking Cheltenham Festival winners is not only to follow tips, but also to take notice of important Cheltenham Festival Stats.

Cheltenham Races odds and tips suggest proven Cheltenham form is key

At long last The Cheltenham Festival 2011 is here and whether punters are going to the course or watching it on TV, everyone will be looking for winning tips for Cheltenham.

Cheltenham races odds and tips can help you find 50/1 winner at the festival

The Cheltenham Festival 2011 gets underway on Tuesday. The highlight of Cheltenham Races on the opening day will be the Champion Hurdle and three days of brilliant racing will follow Tuesday's action.



We're mobile!

Get news, sport and entertainment on your mobile. Text inthenews to 84010 or go to http://m.inthenews.co.uk. There is no charge for this service but the SMS will be charged at your standard operator rate.