The Chinese Government has declared a mourning period from May 19-21, 2008, following a strong earthquake that hit Sichuan Province of China on May 12 claiming the lives of thousands of people.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Tonga, today, the death toll from the 8.0 magnitude earthquake rose to 32,476 by May 18 and the number of injured reached 220,109.

"Ever since the earthquake occurred, disaster relief has become the top priority for the Chinese government. Chinese premier HE Mr Wen Jiabao has been overseeing the disaster relief operations on site.

"The Chinese President HE Mr Hu Jintao also flew to the quake-hit areas to comfort victims and encouraging rescuers," the Embassy stated.

Rescue teams had tried to save people's lives whenever possible.

"They have made all their efforts to rescue the victims, rebuild the damaged roads and transport the emergency goods to the area. There has been no outbreak of major infectious diseases or public health emergencies in the quake-devastated areas with the hard efforts of the medical teams.

"China is deeply grateful for the messages of support and the earthquake relief aid coming from the international community including the kingdom of Tonga. All Tongan people living in China are safe and sound," the Embassy stated.