China Officials Accused Of Death Toll Cover Up
Megan Shannon - All Headline News Staff Writer (AHN) - The death toll in Southern China has doubled a week after Tropical Storm Bilis. Local officials have been accused of trying to down play the number of deaths. When the storm hit on July 14 it was reported that about 250 people died. However, journalists visited the town of Pingshi and found that the number reported was too low. Officials reported the death toll at 518 Saturday. The Hunan province government has accused local officials of covering up the actual number of deaths and threatened to punish those who are found guilty. The Ministry of Civil Affairs also warned local authorities not to cover up the death toll. Bilis caused massive flooding that forced about three million people from their homes. 200,000 homes were destroyed as well as farm land. Residents now must deal with clean water shortages and ruined roads. 18 people died after a 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit south-west China Saturday and about 350 people died last month after other storms hit the country.
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