President Xi stresses rehabilitation in quake area

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan on April 20, killing at least 196 people.

Currently, a major work of governments is to help local people get through the hard times by providing medical treatment, necessities, drinking water, food and temporary shelter, President Xi said at a meeting with local officials on Tuesday evening.

He stressed that efforts should be made to restore normality in schools, provide psychological counselling and maintain law and order.

The president acknowledged quake rescue and relief progress made by the Sichuan provincial government and the armed forces.

"A serious disaster tests the capacity of local Party organs and members, and also presents a chance to improve their performance," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Local CPC organs in quake-hit regions should educate officials and members and improve their working style, he said.

"Where there are dangers and difficulties, there are CPC members," Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) visits quake-affected residents during an inspection tour from May 21 to May 23 in Lushan County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. A quake hit Lushan on April 20, killing at least 196 people. [Photo/Xinhua]