7.9 Earthquake Could Add To List Of China's Possible Olympic Woes

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The lives of at least 8,500 people have been killed after China was hit by a 7.9 earthquake on Monday, May 12. So far, it is expected that the death toll will be increased. A school building had also collapsed burying at least 900 children beneath the rubble. 50 bodies were already found. Many more have been believed to have suffered as a result of the earthquake.

Over half of the country has been affected by the devastation of the earthquake. United States President George W. Bush said that the US is ready to help in any way and means possible. This is not the first time that China has suffered such an earthquake of that magnitude. Back in 1976, 255,000 people were killed in the city of Tangshin by an earthquake with the magnitude of 7.5.

So far, none of the venues for the Olympics this August has been damaged. But, China was not the only country to experience the earthquake. Other parts of East and Southeast Asia have been affected.

This may seem that 2008 is the year of all sorts of interesting events, both good and bad. Several days prior, Japan was rocked by an earthquake of a 6.8 magnitude. Then it was followed up by another earthquake with the magnitude of 5.3.

Recently, Burma has been hit by Cyclone Nargis. The death toll could reach at least 100,000 by the Cyclone alone. However, there are millions more at risk of malnutrition and waterborne diseases. Burma’s junta has remained defiant in regards to letting foreign aid workers in to estimate the damage.

However, Burma and the recent earthquake in China could be placed on top of a list of issues that could turn into a possible nightmare for Beijing as it is set to host the 2008 Summer Olympics this coming August. Other issues include Tibet, Darfur, human rights record, tainted food, and the treatment of North Korea refugees.