Xi calls for saving people's lives first after deadly quake

M6.5 quake hits SW China

Introduction to quake-hit Ludian county

Located in northeastern Yunnan province, Ludian county is 49 km from Zhaotong city. The area covering 1,487 square kilometers has an average altitude of 1,917 meters and is adjacent to Huize county to the south and Qiaojia county to the west. Ludian county is mainly agricultural and of its population of 408,000 people, an estimated 389,000 are farmers.

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has called for saving people's lives first after a strong earthquake rattled southwest China's Yunnan Province Sunday and 367 people.

People's Daily reported the death toll as 367 as of 0:30 am on Monday, citing quake-stricken Zhaotong city's government sources. Ludian county in Zhaotong city suffered the most lives losses, with 296 found dead.

In instructions issued late Sunday night, Xi ordered that authorities concerned give top priority to saving people's lives, minimize casualties and guarantee a proper settlement for quake victims.

He called for all-out efforts in relief operation and strengthening aftershock monitoring to prevent secondary disasters.

Premier Li Keqiang also made instructions for disaster relief, urging local authorities to try every possible means to save the injured people and those buried in rubble.

He required that local authorities provide residents in quake zone with adequate food, clothes, clean drinking water, temporary shelters and timely medical treatment.

In addition, Li called for ensuring unblocked telecommunication and transport of relief supplies and staff. Social order in the quake zone should also be maintained.

The 6.5-magnitude quake struck at 4:30 p.m. Sunday (Beijing Time) with a depth of 12 km. The epicenter was in Longtoushan Township, 23 km southwest of the county seat of Ludian, Zhaotong City. 

Torrential rain is battering the quake zone, disturbing relief efforts. 

Mobile telecommunications services go back normal in Ludian county after hours of cut-off.