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British tourists 'safe' in China British tourists 'safe' in China
(20 minutes later)
About 100 UK tourists on tour operator trips in areas of China affected by the earthquake are safe, according to British travel group Abta.About 100 UK tourists on tour operator trips in areas of China affected by the earthquake are safe, according to British travel group Abta.
Spokesman Sean Tipton said: "They are all safe and none are in danger."Spokesman Sean Tipton said: "They are all safe and none are in danger."
But China's Xinhua news agency said that another 15 Britons were among 2,000 tourists stranded in Wenchuan county, Sichuan province.But China's Xinhua news agency said that another 15 Britons were among 2,000 tourists stranded in Wenchuan county, Sichuan province.
The death toll for the earthquake, which struck south-western China on Monday, now stands at 10,000.The death toll for the earthquake, which struck south-western China on Monday, now stands at 10,000.
'Round the clock''Round the clock'
Reports had quoted Chinese authorities as saying that they had lost contact with a 15-strong group of British tourists in Wolong, an area famous for its Giant Pandas.Reports had quoted Chinese authorities as saying that they had lost contact with a 15-strong group of British tourists in Wolong, an area famous for its Giant Pandas.
The Foreign Office said it was trying to establish the whereabouts of any Britons in the devastated region. The Foreign Office said it had been unable to validate the reports and was trying to establish the whereabouts of any Britons in the devastated region.
A spokesman told the BBC News website: "We haven't had any confirmed reports of any injuries or casualties, but we are aware that there are reports of British tourists in the affected area, including one with a travel company. An FO spokeswoman said: "We have no confirmed reports of any Britons being hurt in the earthquake.
"We are trying to establish their whereabouts. We have got people in our embassy working round the clock." "We are working on trying to track down all the Britons in the area."
Officials say they have no news yet from the towns at the epicentre of the quake, which had a magnitude of 7.8.Officials say they have no news yet from the towns at the epicentre of the quake, which had a magnitude of 7.8.
Mr Tipton added: "We have been in contact with UK holiday companies and there are about 100 clients in the Sichuan region at the moment.Mr Tipton added: "We have been in contact with UK holiday companies and there are about 100 clients in the Sichuan region at the moment.
"In line with Foreign Office advice, there will be no tours to that region for the time being.""In line with Foreign Office advice, there will be no tours to that region for the time being."
Anyone in the UK concerned about friends or relatives should call 00 86 10 5192 4499Anyone in the UK concerned about friends or relatives should call 00 86 10 5192 4499
The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8, struck south-western China on Monday afternoon.The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8, struck south-western China on Monday afternoon.
In Maoxian county, 37 tourists were killed when their coach was buried in a landslide caused by the earthquake. Their nationalities were not clear.In Maoxian county, 37 tourists were killed when their coach was buried in a landslide caused by the earthquake. Their nationalities were not clear.
The Foreign Office said anyone in the UK who is concerned about friends or relatives who may be in China should call its helpline on 00 86 10 5192 4499.The Foreign Office said anyone in the UK who is concerned about friends or relatives who may be in China should call its helpline on 00 86 10 5192 4499.
It has advised against all but essential travel to Sichuan province.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband earlier said the UK stood "ready to assist" in dealing with the devastation wrought by the quake.Foreign Secretary David Miliband earlier said the UK stood "ready to assist" in dealing with the devastation wrought by the quake.
"Emerging news of the loss of life and devastation in China is deeply saddening," he added."Emerging news of the loss of life and devastation in China is deeply saddening," he added.
"My thoughts are with the Chinese people and those families who have suffered loss. The Chinese government are to be commended for their quick and efficient response.""My thoughts are with the Chinese people and those families who have suffered loss. The Chinese government are to be commended for their quick and efficient response."
'On standby'
Meanwhile, British rescue workers were waiting to learn if they will travel to China to provide assistance.
The International Rescue Corps (IRC) and Rapid UK, which both provide disaster response personnel, said they had contacted authorities in the UK and China with offers of assistance.
Julie Ryan, a spokeswoman for the IRC, said five members were ready to join an international search and rescue team.
"We've put them on standby waiting to see if they will be mobilised," she added.