Earthquake death toll rises to 68,977

BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua)-- The death toll in China's major earthquake increased by 119 to 68,977 as of Saturday noon, the Information Office of the State Council said.

Another 367,854 people were counted as injured and 17,974 listed as missing in the 8.0-magnitude quake that jolted southwestern Sichuan Province on May 12.

A total of 45.55 million people were affected by quake, of whom15.15 million were relocated, according to the office.

Hospitals had treated 89,818 injured survivors as of Saturday noon, of whom 59,877 were discharged, 12,797 were still being treated and 9,245 were transferred outside of Sichuan for further treatment.