Rescue teams arrive in Western China after earthquake displaces thousands

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Western China's Yushu County today, where officials said a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday morning. The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at 6.9 magnitude. Authorities today raised the death toll to more than 600, with an estimated 10,000 wounded. The China International Search and Rescue team has arrived in the region. According to state media, the team is bringing medical and rescue workers, sniffer dogs and 18 tons of medical equipment.

Video posted on the BBC showed dramatic footage of rescue crews pulling survivors from the rubble at a hotel in Yushu County.

Poor construction led to the collapse of thousands of homes and buildings in the area, leaving many homeless. The high altitutude and remoteness are making rescue difficult and temperatures dipped below freezing last night.

We're joined by Alex Mahoney, regional manager for the American Red Cross programs in Asia. The Chinese Red Cross has just sent two emergency teams to the area.