The quake also forced several major highways and expressways in southwestern Sichuan and north-western Shaanxi provinces to close, the Ministry of Transport said.
More than 300 aftershocks were registered after the quake, and a Chinese seismologist warned residents in earthquake-affected areas in southwest China of more tremors, which could be just as devastating, Xinhua said.
China's earthquake administration launched a 'top-level emergency contingency plan', as President Hu Jintao directed 'all out efforts' to provide relief to the affected and Wen flew to Sichuan province to oversee the operations.
Troops were also rushed in thousands to the disaster struck region.
The quake was felt in Beijing, Shanghai and several cities across the country, with thousands of panic-gripped people running out of skyscrapers to the streets or leading to evacuation of the buildings.
Sources with the headquarters said casualties were being tallied in other areas hit by the massive earthquake and information being collected on the extent of damage.
'The number of casualties is expected to rise as further destruction is reported,' Xinhua said.
Authorities were yet to reach Wenchuan County, the epicentre of the earthquake with a population of 112,000.
Image: This television frame grab taken in Beijing from China's state television channel CCTV shows earthquake victims in the city of Wenchuan being treated.
Advertisement
