(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-13 06:42

Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday called for calm and efficient organization of disaster relief work after a major quake hit Sichuan province Monday afternoon.

Premier Wen Jiabao called for calm and efficient organization of disaster relief work after a major quake hit Sichuan province Monday afternoon. [Xinhua]

Speaking as he flew to the disaster-hit area to oversee relief work, Wen said the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council had ordered officials at all levels to the frontline to organize disaster relief.

"My fellow Chinese, facing such a severe disaster, we need calm, confidence, courage and efficient organization," Wen said aboard the flight to Chengdu.

"I believe we can certainly overcome the disaster with the public and the military working together under the leadership of the Party and the government."

Wen headed for Wenchuan directly from Henan where he was on an inspection tour of rural areas.

The State Council established an emergency disaster relief headquarters comprising eight departments responsible for helping with rescue work, medical care, security, information and other tasks.

The Civil Affairs Ministry, the Red Cross Society of China and its Sichuan branch rushed tents, quilts and other relief materials and were moving people to open and safe places.

The Chengdu Military Area Command dispatched 6,100 personnel and armed police to help, said Tian Yixiang, an officer with the emergency office of the People's Liberation Army.

Helicopters have been sent by the command to supervise the situation as all communications have broken down in Wenchuan.