2014年CRI 云南鲁甸地震遇难人数激增至589人 菲律宾重判12名中国渔民（在线收听）

Rescuers searching for survivors are coping with fresh landslides and aftershocks near the quake epicenter in southwestern China's Yunnan province.

The 72 hour optimum-rescue period has passed and finding survivors is becoming much less likely.

As of Wednesday, the death toll of the deadly earthquake has risen sharply to 589.

Local authorities say the increase is due to rescuers finally arriving in areas that were previously inaccessible.

Meantime, national meteorological center says that rainfall is expected in the quake-hit regions in next three days.

Strong aftershocks ranging from 5 to 6 magnitudes are also forecasted in the coming days.

Chinese authorities are demanding their counterparts in the Philippines guarantee the legitimate rights of 12 Chinese fishermen who have been handed lengthy prison terms for illegal fishing.

A foreign ministry statement says authorities have been demanding just treatment for the fishermen ever since the group was picked up in Philippines waters in April of last year.

A court in the Western Philippines convicted the men on Tuesday of illegal fishing. The captain of the crew got a 12-year prison term, while the rest of the fishermen received sentences ranging from six to 10 years.