China was preparing to dynamite rock, mud and rubble forming a dangerously large ”quake lake” on Monday, hoping to avert a new disaster two weeks after a catastrophic tremor struck Sichuan province. The official estimate of dead from the May 12 earthquake is now more than 60Â 000, but that number is certain to grow.
China scrambled on Wednesday to deliver tents and other essential materials to the five million people made homeless by last week’s earthquake, as international aid began to flow in. With hope virtually extinguished of finding more survivors, soldiers and relief workers focused on the desperate plight of those displaced.