Death toll from earthquake in China's Sichuan province rises to 65

The death toll from this week's earthquake in south-west China's Sichuan province has risen to 65.

In addition, more than 200 people have been injured, more than 50 of them seriously, state media reported on Tuesday. More than 10 are still considered missing.

The Luding area, some 200 kilometres south-west of the provincial capital Chengdu, was the hardest hit in Monday's 6.8-magnitude quake.

The earthquake destroyed homes and caused landslides. Many streets were still blocked off on Tuesday. Electricity and water supplies and communications were disrupted.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is under way, with thousands helping with recovery efforts. The authorities also mobilized the military to assist.

There were several aftershocks, with the strongest measured at a magnitude of 4.2.

Communication with the outside world was disrupted for 35,000 households, the People's Daily reported. More than 40,000 people lost their electricity supply.

Recovery workers were supported by helicopters and drones searching from the air. Heavy equipment was also being used to clear affected areas.

China's Finance Ministry and the Sichuan government have each provided 50 million Yuan (around $7.2 million) in financial aid, state media reported.

Sichuan is especially vulnerable to earthquakes, as it lies on the edge of the overthrust zone of the Indian continental plate and the Eurasian plate.

In 2008, a severe 7.9-magnitude quake in the province killed more than 80,000 people.