Chinese vice premier urges all-out, scientific rescue efforts after Chongqing landslide

CHONGQING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for all-out efforts to carry out search and rescue operations in a scientific manner after a landslide struck southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, while stressing the need to guard against secondary disasters.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led officials from relevant departments to Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County in Chongqing on Friday evening to direct on-site search and rescue operations and emergency response work on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

Upon arrival, Zhang immediately went to the disaster site, where he was briefed on the progress of rescue operations and the difficulties facing rescuers. On Saturday morning, Zhang returned to the site to review and refine the rescue plan. He also visited injured people at the county people's hospital and spent time with evacuated residents at a temporary shelter.

Zhang called for every possible effort to search for and rescue those missing. In light of the limited space for rescue operations, the high risk of secondary disasters and persistent rainfall at the site, he called for stronger on-site command and safety management, as well as the deployment of professional rescue teams and appropriate rescue equipment.

He stressed the need to make every effort to treat the injured and ensure that the basic living needs of evacuated residents are met.

Noting the grave situation facing disaster prevention, mitigation and relief endeavors amid frequent extreme weather events, Zhang urged local authorities and relevant departments to strengthen bottom-line thinking and prepare for worst-case scenarios.

He called for responsibilities and measures to be further reinforced at every stage, including hazard screening, early warning and response, evacuation, rescue and relief.

Zhang also urged close monitoring of high-risk locations, including areas near mountains and rivers and sites where slopes have been cut to enable housing construction. He called for stronger professional inspections and prompt action to eliminate potential hazards. Enditem