Many schools in the hardest hit areas are seriously damaged. The earthquake struck during classes and, though teachers tried to get as many students as possible out, a large number remain trapped inside the buildings.

A rescue team speeds to a school--or rather--what remains of a school after the strong quake.

Parents wait by the school, anxious for news of their children, either good news or bad.

This is a primary school in the Mianyang area in Sichuan. The 3-floor building has 8 classrooms and 2 science labs.

This is a primary school in the Mianyang area in Sichuan. The 3-floor building has 8 classrooms and 2 science labs. About 300 students, ranging from grades 3 to 6, were in the building when the quake struck.

A handful of them escaped from the building as it collapsed, but many more are trapped---their fates unknown.

The fire-fighters doggedly search through the rubble for survivors. They're joined by members of the public.

Many students are trapped between walls, suffering head and leg injuries. Rescue teams send words of reassurance to calm them and supply drinking water through pipes.

Before large equipment arrived, rescuers managed to pull more than 10 people from the debris by hand.

Before large equipment arrived, rescuers managed to pull more than 10 people from the debris by hand.

At first, rescue work in this middle school in Qingchuan county was hindered by lack of road access to the area. Now the road has been repaired and rescue work continues.

About half the 850 students and staff of the school, are casualties. Medical departments have been ordered to take care of the hygiene in the area, but they are in urgent need of supplies, such as disinfectant.

(CCTV May 14, 2008)