Chinese President Hu Jintao has urged local governments and central government departments to rank earthquake relief work at the top of their most important and pressing tasks. Hu Jintao made the remarks in southwestern China's Sichuan Province on Saturday during a meeting on rescue and relief work.

Chinese President Hu Jintao Saturday night speaks at a meeting on rescue and relief work of the earthquake, expressing gratitudes to foreign countries and people who have offered aid since a major earthquake struck the country. (Xinhua Photo)

Hu Jintao called for unremitting efforts to search for and rescue the buried people though over five days has passed since the disaster broke out.

He said troops, armed police and public security personnel should get to villages and search every collapsed building to save people.

Hu Jintao also urged all-out efforts to treat injured survivors, and transfer them to hospitals with better facilities.

The Chinese president said hygienic measures in the quake-stricken areas should be further stepped up to prevent the spread of diseases. And more medical experts should be dispatched to those areas to help keep possible epidemics at bay.

Hu Jintao also expressed his concern for the people in the quake-hit areas. He called for arrangements of daily essential supplies to meet their demands. He stressed that food, clothes, drinking water and temporary shelters must be guaranteed.

The president also underscored social stability in disaster areas. He ordered officials to give considerate comfort and condolences to victims to ensure a peaceful social environment.

Hu Jintao called for tightened monitoring and prevention measures on geological disasters such as landslides and mud-rock flows. He said early planning is important for re-building as the country faces a challenging task. President Hu Jintao also ordered early preparations and arrangements to accommodate orphans, seniors and the disabled.

President Hu Jintao also conveyed his gratitude to rescuers involved in relief operations. He also expressed his appreciation to foreign countries and people who have offered aid.

(CCTV May 18, 2008)