The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, is to publish a commentary on Friday calling for Chinese to help the earthquake survivors by dedicating themselves to their own jobs.

Since the May 12 quake hit Sichuan Province, the country has mobilized to contribute to relief work by donating cash and goods, the commentary said, adding that many people had rushed to the region to help.

But well-intended people working on their own might actually add to the problems of the quake survivors, not to mention risking their own safety, because of the shortage of supplies and continuing aftershocks, it said.

"There are other ways to contribute to quake relief, including focusing on the job at hand," the commentary said.

"The injured need medical treatment, survivors need more tents and other goods to maintain their lives, and damaged infrastructure in the quake zones requires repairs."

It urged Chinese to stick to their jobs to produce more goods needed by the quake zones to help the affected people get through difficult times.

"The whole country should maintain economic development while engaging in quake relief work," it said, urging better preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics.

China will overcome the challenges of the earthquake as long as people focus on their own jobs and make joint efforts in quake relief work, the commentary said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2008)