The top 8 events that changed in Asia in 2008

May 12: Earthquake kills thousands in China

Last updated 12-31-08 at 11:38 a.m.

A bank building in Beichuan after the earthquake. A girl was found in the ruins four days after the quake.

As many as 68,000 people were killed and thousands injured when an estimated 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan Provinces in western China. Nearly 900 students were trapped when Juyuan Middle School in the Sichuan Province collapsed, devastating families.

The earthquake was China’s worst natural disaster in three decades.

TOP 8 EVENTS

• The top 8 events that changed Asia in 2008:

1. March 10: China cracks down on protests in Tibet using force — or not?

2. April 10: Nepal holds a historic election

4. May 18: North Korea hints at transparency — then takes it away

5. July 16: Milk scandal in China makes world headlines

6. Aug. 8: The Summer Games open, Michael Phelps makes history

7. Sept. 1: Thai protests turn violent, government declares state of emergency

8. Nov. 26: Terrorists attack Mumbai

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