China Quake Death Toll Likely Tens of Thousands

China's benchmark stock index ended down on Tuesday and trading in the shares of 66 companies was suspended.

Analysts said they did not expect a major economic impact from the disaster, but that supply shortages could fuel inflation, already at a near 12-year high.

The State Administration of Grain ordered local governments to ensure grain and cooking oil supplies and price stability.

China's largest life insurer, China Life, said it expected claims for the quake to far exceed those for freak snowstorms that hit the country early this year.

Bloggers wondered about the quality of construction and why so many school buildings were reduced to rubble.

Offers of aid have come from around the world. The United States, Britain, Japan, the European Union, South Korea and Taiwan have offered assistance since the disaster, which occurred three months before the Beijing Olympics.

Olympic officials assured foreigners planning to visit China for the Games that the country was safe.

A minute's silence would start each stop of the domestic torch relay and celebrations would be scaled down.

The International Olympic Committee said it would donate $1 million and the United Nations also offered support. 

Copyright 2008 Reuters. Click for restrictions.

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