It was 7.9-magnitude.

About 12,000 killed

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080513/ap_on_re_as/china_earthquake

I saw that on news the other day. Wow 7.9 huh wow stronger than one we had bay area in 1989.

I understand that the effects of the earthquake were felt as far away as Beijing - 960 miles from the epicenter. Buildings swayed but luckily none collapsed and no one was killed or injured.

I mention Beijing because my cousin(the son of my mother's younger brother) is on assignment there along with his family. His two daughters are middle schoolers and I read of the number of people killed or buried under the debris of collapsed buildings in Chongquin, including children whose schools are now rubble.

For some reason, being pretty busy with work, I didn't even listen to news and hear this. My brother is currently in that region for his work. Haven't heard from him for a few days, as he e-mails occasionally. I had to e-mail him. Hope he is OK.

He e-mailed me this two days ago.

"I flew to Hangzhou from Guangzhou and then by car to Pinghu and today I will drive to Pujiang before reaching Shanghai by fasst train tomorrow night."

Anyone know where these places are?

Dennis,

Looking on a Map of China looks like your brother wasnt close to the epicenter. The earthquake mainly hit the Sichuan area of China. Your Brother looks like more near area of Hong Kong - so probally wasnt hit as strongly. I heard a lot of communications were knock out - hopefully your be able to contact him.

Thanks Brandon. You are great finding resources.
He did say this was his farthest West trip yet, and was about 900 miles West of Hong Kong. So, still hoping for good news.

Any word from your brother yet, Dennis? Hope he's ok!

Sorry, I mentioned it to people in the chat room, but not on here. He had just left the affected area when the earthquake hit. So, he was clear of danger. He didn't think it was as bad as we thought, since, the news spreads slower there than here. His source of info was on the internet rather than local.

He rapidly left the Country, so he didn't have a chance to e-mail anyone.

He did e-mail me from Las Vegas, of all places. Seems he had this stop scheduled for a trade show and went there directly.

Thanks for the concern. All is well.

Well that's good to read, Dennis! Thanks for the update. Vegas of all places lol...