May 15 - The death toll from China's massive earthquake could soar to more than 50,000 as rescuers struggle to help survivors.

Around 20,000 people 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.

The Communist Party told officials to "ensure social stability" as the quake spawned rumours of chemical spills, fears of dam bursts and scenes of collective desperation.

Sonia Legg reports.