The Chinese premier says saving lives is the top priority. Wen Jiabao urged rescuers to overcome difficulties and get into the worst-hit areas as soon as possible---by foot if necessary.

Premier Wen Jiabao said, "We must try all means to get into those areas. The earlier, the better. One person can be saved if discovered one second earlier. We must also focus our efforts on recovering roads, communications and power supplies. "

Premier Wen also asked authorities at various levels to make a clear assessment of the impact of Monday's massive earthquake as well as the ensuing casualties and get ready for future earthquake forecasts.

Wen Jiabao inspected a hospital that had collapsed in Dujiangyan.

(CCTV.com, May 13, 2008)