China Intensifies Quake Rescue as Hopes Dim
Fresh aid reached China's earthquake-devastated areas on Thursday, May 15, 2008, but the sheer magnitude of caring for tens of thousands of homeless, grieving survivors threatened to overwhelm relief efforts. The Communist Party leadership told officials to "ensure social stability" as Monday's 7.9 magnitude quake in southwestern Sichuan province spawned rumors of chemical spills, fears of dam bursts and scenes of collective grief and desperation. The official death toll estimate from the quake stood at 14,866, but 25,000 remain buried.