The south-western Chinese province of Sichuan has been devastated by one of the most powerful earthquakes in decades.

12,000 people have died, and the death toll is certain to rise. Many more thousands are buried under rubble.

The 7.9 magnitude earthquake was felt in far away places like Bangkok and even Hong Kong. After striking on Monday afternoon, strong aftershocks followed.

Many school children were struck down as their school buildings collapsed on them.

Swift rescue efforts went into play, but the task ahead is clearly an arduous and frustrating one. Lives will be saved, but many will be lost.

This is such a tragic prelude in the lead in to the Olympics in Beijing.