China: 600 deaths

The death toll from an earthquake in Yunnan Province in China has risen dramatically from 300 on Wednesday, to close to 600. Volunteers are now being told to stay away, after eagerly turning up in large numbers to help. Ludian County, a mountainous region of the province is the hardest hit, with more than 500 people feared dead. Disaster Bureau:

In order to ensure the best chances of rescuing survivors, we advise non-professional groups and volunteers against entering the quake zone by themselves so as not to cause traffic and communication difficulties.