Seismologists have revised the magnitude of the Wenchuan earthquake to 8.0 on the Richter Scale.

Seismologists have revised the magnitude of the Wenchuan earthquake to 8.0 on the Richter Scale.

Based on data from the China Earthquake Networks, the quake was initially measured at a magnitude of 7.8. The revised figure of 8.0 was reached after experts studied data and materials from other observation stations, including the Global Seismic Network.

According to the preliminary estimate, the maximum intensity of Monday's quake was 11 degrees, and the affected areas covered more than 100,000 square kilometers.

The hardest-hit areas were Beichuan, Shifang, Mianzhu, Wenchuan, and Pengzhou in Sichuan province. The quake also affected Gansu, Shaanxi and Yunnan provinces as well as Chongqing Municipality.

(CCTV May 19, 2008)