A major earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale has hit Wenchuan County in southwest China's Sichuan province spreading to more than 15 provinces in China . The death toll has climbed to more than 10,000 by early Tuesday.

(A picture shows that the location of Wenchuan Country in southwestern China's Sichuan Province.(Photo:CCTV.com))

(A picture shows that the location of Wenchuan Country
in southwestern China's Sichuan Province. (Photo:USGS))

(A geographic photo grabed from Google.com shows the center of the earthquake which hit Wenchuan County of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 12, 2008. (Photo: Google.com))

(A rendering shows the center of the earthquake which hit Wenchuan County of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 12, 2008. (Photo: chinadaily.com.cn/Agency, File Photo))