SINGAPORE : The Chinese Embassy in Singapore lowered the Chinese flag to half-mast on Monday afternoon to mourn the tens of thousands of people killed in last week's earthquake.

Those who gathered at the embassy also observed a three-minute silence in a ceremony that took place precisely at 2.28 pm, the exact time the quake struck one week ago.

The scene was repeated in most parts of China, which came to a standstill on Monday to mourn its quake victims as the number of dead, missing or buried soared past 71,000.

The simple ceremony left many in tears. Most stayed behind to sign condolence messages and contribute to the relief effort. - CNA /ls