In September , officials put death toll at 69,227 , with more than 17,923 missing . The human-rights organization called on Chinese authorities `` to take immediate action to address the grievances of survivors and relatives of those who were killed or injured . '' The tremor struck May 12 at about 2:30 p.m. , when many children were in school . Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos
In September , officials put death toll at 69,227 , with more than 17,923 missing . The tremor struck May 12 at about 2:30 p.m. , when many children were in school . Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos