Breaking: China Shaken by Massive Earthquake

Reports of fatalities continue to climb with estimates now indicating that 5,000 have been confirmed dead. At least 10,000 have been injured.

BEIJING, China (Catholic Online) - An earthquake measuring 7.8 in magnitude has devastated whole sections of China.

The epicenter of the quake was reported to be in Sichuan province, one of the most populated provinces of the nation.

Sichuan is known as a technology center of China, having attracted major technology companies such as Dell, Intel and Open TV into growing joint ventures with Chinas expansive technology companies.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed that this massive 7.8 quake had a depth of 6.8 miles. Its effects were reported to have been felt as far away as Beijing, 950 miles from the epicenter.

Reports are still coming in which indicate that its impact has also been felt in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taiwan--and as far as Vietnam and Bangkok.

Reports of fatalities continue to climb with estimates now indicating that 5,000 have been confirmed dead. At least 10,000 have been injured.

Of particularly tragic consequence is the fact that at least eight schools have collapsed, trapping hundreds of students, teachers and staff. In some localities cries from the trapped students are still being heard as rescue teams attempt to reach them.

Thus far, the Olympic stadium has remained undamaged by the massive quake.

In Beijing and Shanghai, reports indicate that occupants of large office buildings fled into the streets, terrified.

The Government has ordered a massive rescue efforts and thousands of troops have been dispatched to the affected region with medical supplies. Entry into some of the areas is being impeded by landslides caused by the earthquake.

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