Death toll could cross 80,000

The death toll in the May 12 earthquake is likely cross 80,000, Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu said yesterday.

Hui submitted a report to the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, and acknowledged for the first time that many of those still missing could be dead.

The death toll had risen to 69,185 till noon yesterday. A total of 374,171 people were injured and 18,467 missing, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.