China puts final death toll from 7.1-magnitude quake at 2,698

BEIJING - The final death toll in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that hit Yushu region of China’s northwestern Qinghai province April 14 was 2,698, a top official said Monday.

At least 270 people were still missing, Xinhua quoted provincial vice governor Zhang Guangrong as saying.

Among the victims, 2,687 have been identified. Eleven bodies still remain unknown, Zhang said, adding that the deceased also include 199 students and a resident of Hong Kong.