May 15 - The death toll from China's earthquake could soar to more than 50,000, state media reported, as rescuers struggled to help survivors and hope faded for thousands buried under rubble.

Some 20,000 are confirmed dead after Monday's 7.9 magnitude quake and 25,000 were buried in areas rescuers have struggled to reach, battling landslides, buckled roads and collapsed bridges.

Pavithra George reports.