China appeals for international earthquake aid

China has appealed for international aid for the victims of Saturday's powerful earthquake in the northern province of Hebei.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have already released more than a quarter of a million dollars in aid; offers of help have come from Japan, Germany and Hong Kong.

At least fifty people were killed and more than a million left homeless by the earthquake; rescue attempts are still being hampered by fresh snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures.

The authorities said they were trying to provide temporary shelter for the homeless as more severe weather was expected.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service