Earthquake in China kills thousands Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao begins relief effort; international leaders join in support Wednesday May 14th, 2008 More than 12,000 people were killed in Monday's earthquake in central China. The 7.9 quake also left thousands buried under rubble, and rescue efforts by 20,000 Chinese security and relief workers are slowly uncovering them. International leaders offered their support, though China is not allowing the entry of foreign relief workers yet.