Thousands Feared Dead in China Earthquake

At least 8,500 As many as 50,000 people are feared dead as a result of a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck roughly 60 miles northwest of Chengdu in China’s Sichuan province. Among the areas hit is Wenchuan, the Times of London reports, “best-known as the home of the Wolong Nature Reserve, China’s leading research and breeding base for the endangered giant panda.” Many travelers know Chengdu as the gateway to Jiuzhai Gou, a wilderness park and UNESCO World Heritage site. The quake was felt as far away as Bangkok.

Updated, May 15, 9 a.m, ET

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