Deadliest Earthquake in Central China may have Claimed 50,000 Lives

London - One of the deadliest earthquakes measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, which have struck central and half of all Chinese provinces on Monday may have claimed over 50,000 people as official count rose to 19,500 dead and still many thousands reported trapped under the collapsed buildings and rubbles.

Soldiers, paramilitary police and civilian rescue workers struggled against rainstorms and fog early Tuesday to reach thousands of people trapped under the rubble of schools, hospitals and homes collapsed by Monday's deadly earthquake in central China  

China is mobilising 30,000 extra troops to Sichuan to help the 50,000 already involved in rescue efforts as 10 million people have been affected by the quake and casualties are expected to rise further. Many are in refugee camps, without proper shelter, food or clean water.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued an emergency appeal for medical help, food, water and tents. Gu Qinghui, a member of the Red Cross assessment team told AP television: "I just came back from Beichuan County this morning, basically the whole county has been destroyed, there is no Beichuan County anymore.

"No-one knows what has happened in particular areas, in the villages. I am sure that the numbers [death toll] will just go up continuing day by day."

Members of the public have also donated millions of yuan in both cash and goods.

At least 900 students were trapped under the collapsed school building where toxic chemical leakage also reported, according to the state media report.

U.S. President George W. Bush also conveyed his country "stands ready to help in any way possible."

"I am particularly saddened by the number of students and children affected by this tragedy," Bush said.

"Traffic jams, no running water, power outs, everyone sitting in the streets, patients evacuated from hospitals sitting outside and waiting," an Israeli student, Ronen Medzini said a text message was sent to The Associated Press (AP).

"The Olympic venues were not affected by the earthquake," said Sun Weide, a spokesman for the Beijing organizing committee.

"We will save people," Wen said in a talk to survivors and rescue workers broadcast by the party's China Central Television.