China death toll rises

The Chinese government said more than 50,000 people may have died in the earthquake that devastated parts of China on Monday.



The official death toll is now 19,500 and rescue efforts are continuing for thousands of people who are still trapped.



About 10 million people across Sichuan province have been directly affected by the quake, which measured 7.9 on the Richter scale.



China said it will accept foreign aid and agreed to help from rescue teams from Japan and its rival Taiwan.



Officials said the death toll is expected to further rise as rescue workers dig more victims out of collapsed buildings.