China earthquake: Death toll hits nearly 600 with dozens still buried under debris 

The death toll in southern China’s earthquake has risen astronomically from 410 yesterday (August 4) to nearly 600 today (August 5), as search and rescue missions continue – with teams moving into the isolated mountainous communities to clear debris from collapsed homes.

The 6.1 magnitude quake on Sunday (August 3), according the Yunnan provincial government, injured more than 2,400 people in the Yunnan farming region of Ludian county – China’s deadliest quake in four years.