Devastating Pictures From Central China Earthquake

Pulled to Safety

Photograph from AFP/Getty Images

A woman in Yongguang township collapses in anguish on July 23 after learning that a member of her family died in the Chinese earthquake.

Funeral services for victims of the catastrophe began on Tuesday, and continue this week alongside reconstruction efforts.

Published July 23, 2013

Hopeful Excavation

Photograph from AFP/Getty Images

Rescuers in Yongguang township continue to look for survivors of the earthquake beneath the rubble, as seen on July 23.

Published July 23, 2013

Complete Destruction

Photograph by Jin Liangkuai, Xinhua Press/Corbis

Dong Xianshou of Minxian County pauses in anguish in front of his leveled home while recounting the story of his survival.

Published July 23, 2013

Moonlit Search

Photograph from AFP/Getty Images

The moon acts as a searchlight for rescuers searching for a buried villager in Meichuan township. A man observes while workers comb through dusty rubble, which buried hundreds throughout the country following the collapse of some 50,000 buildings during the quake.

Published July 23, 2013

Combing Through Collapse

Photograph from China Daily/Reuters

A woman searches through the collapsed ruins of a damaged house. According to China Daily, some 17,000 houses were destroyed completely in the quake, with the same number experiencing extensive damage.

Published July 23, 2013

Earthquake Injuries

Photograph from China Daily/Reuters

A man lies injured on the floor of a hospital, waiting to receive treatment among the hundreds injured in Monday's earthquake. According to China Daily, at least 550 people were sent to hospitals following the quake, with 60 sustaining serious injuries.

Published July 23, 2013

Cleaning Up After Chaos

Photograph from China Daily/Reuters

A man looks on as cleanup efforts begin in central China with the removal of obstacles from a blocked road. CNN reported that more than 300 armed police troops and 64 heavy machines have been dispatched since the quake, in an effort to repair the damaged National Highway No. 212.

Published July 23, 2013

Rescues in the Rubble

Photograph by Wang Zhao, AFP/Getty Images

About 3,000 government employees—including armed police, firefighters, and militia—were sent to quake-affected areas, according to China Daily. Here, rescuers use shovels to pick through collapsed buildings, in hopes of rescuing victims who may be still trapped underneath the destruction.

Published July 23, 2013

Paying Respects

Photograph by Jin Liangkuai, Xinhua Press/Corbis

The coffin of an 84-year-old villager is carried following the deadly earthquake. China Daily reported Monday that many of the quake casualties were elderly and children, who were unable to escape from collapsing houses quickly enough.

Published July 23, 2013

Borne Out of Tragedy

Photograph from Imaginechina/Corbis

This baby was born just hours after the deadly quake, in a rescue tent. According to reports, both the child and mother are in good health.

Published July 23, 2013