Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

Chinese Pemier Wen Jiabao (2nd R) speaks to buried people at a ruined hospital in Dujiangyan city of southwest China's Sichuan Province May 12, 2008. Premier Wen flew into southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 13 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is now in the quake-hit city of Dujiangyan not far from the epicenter in Wenchuan County. Premier Wen is directing rescue efforts there. He has also inspected a damaged hospital and school.

    The Chinese premier says saving lives is the top priority. Wen Jiabao urged rescuers to overcome difficulties and get into the worst-hit areas as soon as possible---by foot if necessary.

    Premier Wen Jiabao said, "We must try all means to get into those areas. The earlier, the better. One person can be saved if discovered one second earlier. We must also focus our efforts on recovering roads, communications and power supplies. "

    Premier Wen also asked authorities at various levels to make a clear assessment of the impact of Monday's massive earthquake as well as the ensuing casualties and get ready for future earthquake forecasts.

    Wen Jiabao inspected a hospital that had collapsed in Dujiangyan.

    More than one hundred people were buried beneath the rubble.

    The Premier called on them to hold on and rescuers would get to them.

    He also asked medical staff at the hospital take good care of themselves and overcome the difficulties.

    Wen Jiabao also spoke to local residents about the disaster and progress of rescue operations.

    Premier Wen Jiabao said, "The earthquake was very powerful, a 7.8 magnitude. Its epicenter was in Wenchuan, 50 kilometers away from here. The roads are still being blocked. The PLA soldiers are trying to repair the roads and rescue people buried there. We will send as many rescuers as the PLA requests. A team of 140 professionals will arrive soon."

    Premier Wen then visited Juyuan Middle School where almost nine hundred students are trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building.

    Premier Wen Jiabao said, "About one thousand staff are rescuing here. A team comprised of 140 professionals will arrive here soon. They're equipped with advanced devices. Rescue planes have already landed. I just learned that quite a few people have hopes for survival. As long as there is a gleam of hope, we will make efforts 100 times greater than that."

    As the search for survivors continues, the injured are treated in tents that have been set up to provide medical aid.

    (Source: CCTV.com)