China death toll jumps above 50,000

China is preparing its relief package

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Thursday, 22, May 2008 12:40

The number of people confirmed to have died in the devastating earthquake which hit China ten days ago has broken the 50,000-mark.

State-run news agency Xinhua quoted a Chinese government official as saying the total number of dead had risen overnight by 9,798 to 51,151.

A further 29,328 remain missing as a result of the May 12th earthquake, while 288,431 people were injured.

The news comes as Chinese premier Wen Jiabao announced a 70 billion yuan (£5 billion) reconstruction package for the area hit by the earthquake.

"While making the reconstruction plan, we must fully consider the geological conditions and bearing capability of the natural resources and environment of these regions to strike a balance between urban and rural areas, industrial and agricultural production," Xinhua quoted him as saying.

It follows his announcement that central government spending will be cut by five per cent in an effort to put money aside for the crisis.