China quake toll rises to 1,944

BEIJING - The death toll in the 7.1 magnitude quake in China’s Qinghai province has risen to 1,944, it was announced Monday.

At least 216 people were still missing, Xinhua quoted the rescue headquarters as saying.

Meanwhile, the ministry of commerce said it has sent 3,000 heating stoves and some mobile shops to the earthquake-struck Yushu prefecture. The Yushu prefecture sits 4,000 metres above sea level, where night time temperatures can easily drop to below freezing point.

The mobile shops would arrive in Xining, provincial capital of Qinghai and then proceed to the quake-hit region after being loaded with relief supplies, the ministry said, adding that movable plank houses to serve as shops and ensure commodity supplies in the region have also been ordered.

The devastating quake that struck Yushu Wednesday has left at least 12,135 injured, the rescue headquarters said.