It's being called the deadliest earthquake in China in more than 30 years. And the desperate search continues for thousands of people who may be buried alive.

New video this morning shows the violence of the 7.9 quake that reportedly lasted a minute and a half. The official death toll is now at more than 12,000, but that number is expected to rise with reports that another 18,000 people may be buried under debris in one city near the epicenter in the Sichuan province.

Two more of Hawaii's superdelegates have pledge their votes to Sen. Barack Obama.

Sen. Daniel Akaka gave his endorsement to Obama Monday.

It's being called the deadliest earthquake in China in more than 30 years. At last count the death toll in the Sichuan Province was more than 10,000 and that number has been rising all day. Scientists with the U.S.Geological Survey now say the quake measured a magnitude 7.9. And since then, there have been four aftershocks ranging from 4.8, to 5.6. On top of that, the chinese government reports that it has evacuated 6,000 people to shelters and sent 16,000 soldiers to the area to deliver aid and help.

A powerful earthquake has rocked the country and the state media estimates 8,500 were killed. The 7.8 quake hit the center of the country.

Rescue efforts are underway after a school collapsed, burying some 900 students.

The quake rattled buildings about 900 miles away in Beijing where thousands of people were evacuated.

Near the epicenter, there is no running water, power is out and phone lines are jammed.

More than 20 people are dead and 150 injured following a string of tornadoes in the country's midsection. Crews are still combing through debris looking for bodies, while many residents are sifting through their devastated communities.