Chinese President encourages quake victims to overcome difficulties--

Chinese President encourages quake victims to overcome difficulties(1)

2008-05-17 07:11:33 [ Big Normal Small ] 　Comment

Special report: Strong Earthquake Jolts SW China

BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday went to Beichuan County of Mianyang City to visit people affected by the southwest China earthquake, encouraging them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster.

Hu first visited quake victims in Shengli Village, Leigu Town of Beichuan. More than 1,000 out of the 18,000 population in Leigu Town died or were missing in the quake.

Chinese President encourages quake victims to overcome difficulties

Chinese President Hu Jintao comforts a wounded woman in Mianyang, a city in quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province, May 16, 2008.He encouraged them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster. (Xinhua Photo)
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Hu went into a tent to talk to one family. Seeing the man's daughter was injured in the quake, Hu said, "We know you've suffered. The quake destroyed your house and injured members of your family. We feel your anguish.

"The whole Party, army and all the people have been mobilized to support the quake relief work," he said.

Hu went out the tent and said to people standing along the road, "We will make every effort to rescue stranded people, treat the injured and make proper arrangements for the victims, as well as helping you to rebuild your homes."

Chinese President Hu Jintao consoles locals in a village in Beichuan county, May 16, 2008. He encouraged them to be confident in overcoming hardships caused by the disaster. (Xinhua Photo)
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He encouraged the victims to be strong, overcome difficulty with confidence, courage and strength.

He then went to the Beichuan Middle School, where all the teaching buildings collapsed in the quake.

Knowing there were still 300 teachers and students buried in the ruins, Hu said, "Saving lives is still an urgent task. We should rescue them by every possible means as long as there is a glimmer of hope."

Hu also praised the troops conducting rescue work in Beichuan Middle School.

Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beichuan county entrusts military medical personnels to take better care of a three-year-old girl who lost her mother in the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, May 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
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"You came to the frontline immediately, and threw yourself into the rescue work regardless of your own safety and made a great contribution.

"You have given hope, confidence and strength to the quake-affected people," he said.

Hu said the rescue work has entered a crucial stage. "You should be unafraid of fatigue and work around the clock, making great efforts to keep losses to a minimum."