China set up on Wednesday a 30-member expert committee that is intended to offer scientific advice on the massive work of quake relief and reconstruction.

The committee, working under the leadership of the State Council's earthquake relief headquarters, has experts from 22 disciplines, from seismology and geology to civil engineering and hydrology.

"The founding of the committee is of key importance to offer scientific support to quake relief, settlement of quake victims and reconstruction," Premier Wen Jiabao said on Wednesday.

The primary task of the committee is to "assist China's earthquake administrations to forecast aftershocks and be on guard against secondary disasters," Wen added.

It is also responsible for formulating a reconstruction plan and offering precautionary measures for the future.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2008)