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Beijing: The official death toll from the earthquake in China has risen to almost 29,000, cabinet spokesman Guo Weimin told a news conference on Saturday.
Officials expected the death toll to reach higher than 50,000 as rescuers search for more bodies buried under debris.
The Chinese government has stepped up relief efforts to worst-hit areas; deploying thousands of extra troops and relief workers to aid the worst hit regions.
More than 116,000 soldiers and police have already been mobilised to help rescuers dig for survivors.
The Ministry of Information Industry appealed to the public asking for donations of rescue equipment ranging from hammers, shovels and demolition tools to cranes and rubber boats.
Nearly 26,000 people remained buried in collapsed and China has said 10 million people have been directly affected by the disaster.
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