PREMIER Wen Jiabao in Wenchuan to comforts earthquake victim

PREMIER Wen Jiabao took a helicopter this afternoon to Wenchuan, the epicenter of Monday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake, as rescuers were still clearing damaged roads to the county in Sichuan Province. Wen's trip is the latest in his efforts to reach out to victims in Wenchuan, where the quake has devastated the region. More than 12,000 people were confirmed killed by the temblor. "The earthquake can shake the mountains and block rivers, but it will never diminish our determination to unite and help each other in the face of such catastrophes," Wen said this morning while speaking to villagers in Beichuan County, which is 50 kilometers from Wenchuan. Fatalities in Wenchuan remain unknown. Thousands of people are believed to have been buried under rubble and debris as the area was the worst hit. Rescue work in the small town was hampered as all roads were blocked and rain fell yesterday. The premier, 66, is leading rescue efforts to contain damage from the worst disaster to hit the country in three decades. He rushed to Sichuan just two hours after the quake and has visited homeless people who have lost loved ones and property in hopes of providing some comfort to victims. His emotional appeal seemed to calm and reassure the people of Beichuan. "Your pain is our pain," he said amid a cluster of villagers, some with blood on their head who wiped away tears. "Saving lives is the most important task. "Your happy life (after the disaster) will be the best comfort to the deceased as long as we try our best to achieve it," he continued. Wen also assured the public that large groups of soldiers and equipment have already arrived in Beichuan. Large amounts of other essential items such as food, water, tents and blankets are also on the way, he added. Beichuan needs 50,000 tents, 200,000 blankets and 300,000 coats, as well as drinking water and medicine, Xinhua news agency said.

YouTube | May 15, 2008