Around one million people have been evacuated from the Chinese city of Beichuan for fear that a dam may burst.

Beichuan was badly hit by the recent earthquake and the water in a lake near the city has since risen dramatically.

Eyewitnesses describe the evacuation as hurried and panic-stricken.

The earthquake death toll given by the Chinese authorities has now risen to nearly 29,000 but they say the figure could rise to around 50,000.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced a grant of US$7 million to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Monday's massive earthquake in China.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary General said that the grant would be used by UN agencies, funds and programs to assist with urgent relief efforts.

'The United Nations stands ready to provide further support, as required, to the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster,' his spokesperson said.

The secretary-general commended Beijing authorities for their fast and effective action and expressed his sincere condolences to the victims and their families.