Chinese President Hu Jintao visited quake-hit Yushu in northwest China's Qinghai Province on Sunday to review relief work.
“There will be new schools. There will be new homes,” Mr. Hu wrote on the blackboard of a makeshift classroom in tent when visiting orphaned students in Yushu.
The President, who returned on Saturday from a shortened visit to Latin America, headed for the worst-hit Gyegu Town in Yushu.
Mr. Hu first visited the village of Zhaxi Datong to inspect the situation and console the quake's victims. He then visited those receiving treatment at the stadium in Yushu to make sure there were enough medical supplies and that epidemic prevention and control work was proceeding smoothly.
“The top priority is to rescue those still buried alive and to treat the injured. Each life must be cherished,” he said.
“Secondly, we must take good care of the quake-affected local people to make sure they have food to eat, clean water to drink, a place to sleep and clothes to keep warm.
“Thirdly, we must speed up infrastructure construction and pave the way for relief work and post-quake reconstruction.
“Fourthly, we must create conditions for children to resume classes as soon as possible, even if it has to be in makeshift classrooms. There is a lot more work to do and we will continue to make efforts,” said Mr. Hu.
The President also met the armed forces and police force who were clearing up rubble in the quake-devastated village of Zhaxike in search of any survivors. The 7.1-magnitude quake, which struck the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu Wednesday morning, has left at least 1,484 dead, 312 missing and 12,088 injured.
