Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao continued his tour of the Tangjiashan quake lake on Friday, encouraging soldiers, local residents and engineers for further drainage preparations.

Following yesterday's inspection, he stressed three principals in easing the quake lake pressure: safety, science and speed.

Wen stressed that the key point was to be quick. As time goes on, water will induce more pressure on the dam, and all the uncertain factors will pose more serious dangers for the safety of local people and the post-quake reconstruction.

"Right now the whole world is focusing on our drainage work. Time waits for no one," said Wen. He added multiple plans must be prepared for potential threats, including plans for flotsam disposal and pollution prevention.

Wen said the plans must be adjusted according to real-time lake conditions.

"Currently the 'water bucket' above our people's heads is still there, and so are dangers. We must be prepared to accept new challenges at any moment until all quake lakes are managed."

He encouraged the soldiers to remain strong in the face of danger and fatigue.

A total of 274 evacuation spots have been set up in nearby Mianyang City and more than 200,000 people have been evacuated to safety.

Wen visited evacuees in three spots, including one at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music Mianyang branch. Temporary police stations, hospitals and eatery were all set up in the spots. Wen told local officials to take good care of the people and urged the residents to prevent heatstroke amid the rising temperatures.

"We'd rather expect much more difficulties than necessary to make sure that everything will be fine."

(China Daily June 7, 2008)