Premier Wen Jiabao has urged rescuers to work tirelessly in the search for survivors after catastrophic mudslides hit Zhouqu county. He said the search and rescue work must not be halted as long as the possibility for finding survivors still exists.

Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Zhouqu County, Gansu Province Sunday afternoon.

He began inspecting the worst-hit disaster zone of Sanyan valley soon after arrival.

Saving more lives remains the number one priority.

Under the debris, two people were trapped. PLA soldiers took part in the rescue.

Premier Wen Jiabao inspected a barrier lake that has formed on the Bailong River, which runs through Zhouqu County.

He asked the rescue team to deal with the barrier lake as soon as possible to avoid secondary disasters.

Late Sunday night Wen Jiabao met with local officials to instruct rescue and disaster relief work.

Early Monday morning, Premier Wen returned to Sanyan Valley to oversee the next step in the rescue measures.

In his meeting with local officials, he underlined the importance of expanding the search and rescue for trapped residents, clearing the sludge as soon as possible, and solving the drinking water problem as an underground water resource was damaged.

Premier Wen Jiabao also visited local hospitals and talked to the injured.

The State Council has set a special work group to direct and coordinate rescue and disaster relief work and Zhouqu.

(CNTV.cn August 10, 2010)