A picture made available 26 May 2008 shows earthquake refugees rummaging through debris in search of their possessions in Hanwang , Sichuan province , China , 24 May 2008 . State media has reported that at least 5 , 498 children have been left on their own as a result the 12 May 2008 earthquake , either by becoming orphans or being seperated from parents . Many parents have been expressed anger and have called for an investigation into why so many schools collapsed so easily during the earthquake . The official death toll is over 62 , 000 with 23 , 000 others missing . EPA / MICHAEL REYNOLDS < 저작권자 ⓒ 2007 연 합 뉴 스 . 무단 전재 - 재 배포 금지 . >< 연합뉴스 긴급 속보 를 SMS 로 ! SKT 사용 자 는 무료 체험 ! >