Aviation experts have warned that a drifting cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland will continue to cripple air transport over much of Europe at the weekend. The European air traffic agency said there would be further significant disruption. Britain has extended the closure of much of its airspace until mid-day on Saturday. The International Air Transport Association said the disruption was costing airlines more than 200 million dollars a day.
The number of people known to have died in the earthquake in Northwest China has risen to more than 1,100 with over 400 others still missing. Rescuers fear the figure is likely to rise again. Heavy earth-moving equipment has been used in the search for trapped survivors. In the worst-hit town of Jiegu, a former local official told the BBC that they badly needed supplies.
"The security situation is good in the town. There is no looting or rioting. Security forces are out on patrol. The main priority for us is relief work to rescue people. We urgently need tents and food and drinking water. We urgently need these supplies."
World News from the BBC
A BBC investigation has found that months before a Georgian luger crashed and died during a training session at this year's Vancouver Winter Olympics, several top athletes warned organizers that the luge and bobsleigh tracks were dangerous. Olympic officials initially said the death of the luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, was down to human error. Rebecca Kesby reports.