The death toll from the earthquake in southwest China has risen to 46. More than 50 people were injured, 16 more were still missing, as the party organ "Volkzeitung" reported on Tuesday. The tremors on Monday had reached a magnitude of 6.8. The district of Luding, a good 200 kilometers south-west of the provincial capital Chengdu, was particularly affected.

Houses were destroyed, there were landslides, and many roads were still blocked on Tuesday. Electricity, water and communications were also cut off. A large-scale search and rescue operation has begun. Thousands of helpers participated in the rescue work. The authorities also mobilized units of the People's Liberation Army.

There were several aftershocks, one of which reached magnitude 4.2. Communication with the outside world was disrupted for 35,000 households, as the “Volkszeitung” reported. More than 40,000 people were without power. The rescue forces were supported by transport helicopters and drones for aerial reconnaissance. Heavy equipment was also used to clear the area.

The Ministry of Finance in Beijing and the provincial government each provided 50 million yuan, the equivalent of 7.23 million euros, in financial aid, state media reported.