CHINA today revealed that almost 20,000 people killed when a massive earthquake struck Sichuan province have so far been identified.

The earthquake in May left nearly 90,000 people dead or missing, leaving 70,000 unaccounted for.

The country's leaders appeared to publicly acknowledge the scale of the tragedy today as Wei Hong, the executive vice-governor of Sichuan, announced at a press conference that 19,065 victims had been identified.

The government has never said how many of the casualties were students or children. Their deaths caused protests and anger among parents, because of reports that many of the schools that collapsed had been built with substandard materials.

Mr Wei announced plans to prepare for an unusually harsh winter in the quake zone. He said millions of those displaced still needed bedding and repairs to their homes if they were to survive.

"During the post-disaster period of relocations, we have placed at the core the work of making sure that thousands of affected people, especially those living in extremely cold and remote rural areas, will live safely and warmly through this winter time," MrWei said.

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