Earthquake in China claims lives

About 300 people are feared dead after a rapid series of strong earthquakes hit a mountainous and impoverished area of China\'s Qinghai province early this morning.



State-run Chinese TV reported that about 8,000 others were injured and many people, including primary schoolchildren, buried under debris.



The 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck about 7:49 this morning Chinese time or 7:49 Eastern Time on Tuesday evening.



Many people were probably still at home and schools were beginning at the time of the quake.



Several strong aftershocks, one of magnitude 5.8 were recorded within hours of the quake.