Wen Jiabao directs rescue work

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Wen Jiabao also spoke to local residents about the disaster and progress of rescue operations.

Chinese Pemier Wen Jiabao (C) picks up a shoe and  a schoolbag at a ruined school in Dujiangyan city  of southwest China's Sichuan Province May 12, 2008.  Premier Wen flew into southwest China's Sichuan  Province on Monday.(Xinhua Photo)

Premier Wen Jiabao said, "The earthquake was very powerful, a 7.8 magnitude. Its epicenter was in Wenchuan, 50 kilometers away from here. The roads are still being blocked. The PLA soldiers are trying to repair the roads and rescue people buried there. We will send as many rescuers as the PLA requests. A team of 140 professionals will arrive soon."

Premier Wen then visited Juyuan Middle School where almost 900 students are trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building.

Premier Wen Jiabao said, "About one thousand staff are rescuing here. A team comprised of 140 professionals will arrive here soon. They're equipped with advanced devices. Rescue planes have already landed. I just learned that quite a few people have hopes for survival. As long as there is a gleam of hope, we will make efforts 100 times greater than that."

As the search for survivors continues, the injured are treated in tents that have been set up to provide medical aid.

Editor:Zhang Ning