China is observing a national day of mourning Wednesday, a week after a powerful earthquake killed more than 2,000 people in a Tibetan region of the country's northwest.
China's State Council, or Cabinet, Tuesday ordered all flags in China and in embassies and consulates around the world to fly at half-staff to mark the 6.9 magnitude quake that hit the remote Yushu prefecture on April 14. Live and televised entertainment, including sports, has been curtailed for the day.
Rescue efforts continue although hopes of finding survivors are dwindling. Workers are battling frigid, snowy weather as well as the physical effects of the high altitude. The weather is hindering deliveries of aid to the affected area.
The death toll from the magnitude-6.9 quake April 14 rose to 2,064 Tuesday. At least 175 people are missing. More than 12,000 people were injured in the quake and tens of thousands were left homeless.
Emergency workers rescued three people Monday, including a 68-year-old woman and a 4-year-old girl pulled from under the rubble of a collapsed building in the town of Jiegu. A woman in her 30s was also found trapped under a building on Tuesday.
Tibetan monks have taken a lead role in the relief effort, helping to clear debris and distribute food.
Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Yushu in Qinghai Province Sunday to inspect the recovery efforts. The president said the Chinese government is doing everything it can to help the people of the remote, ethnic Tibetan region.
Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has appealed to the Chinese government to allow him to visit the quake site, but Beijing has not responded.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
