Premier: Rescue every person

Premier Li Keqiang climbed onto a heap of debris to view the disaster area after arriving in Lushan county, Sichuan province, where he expressed condolences to victims and survivors of Saturday's devastating magnitude-7 earthquake.

"We should put saving people first because people's lives are more precious than anything else. We should use scientific means, including using life detectors, to rescue every person who might survive," Li told reporters at the epicenter in Lushan on Sunday morning.

Li flew to Lushan shortly after the earthquake struck and visited temporary settlements, hospitals and tents.

He was even leading a meeting in a tent when a magnitude-4 aftershock occurred.

Even though electricity supplies had not yet resumed, Li held a meeting illuminated by flashlights as he spread out a map and directed relief work.

"I have met many people affected by the disaster in Lushan, and I told them that the government will help you to rebuild a beautiful home," he said.

The premier visited patients at West China Hospital in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, on Sunday. The hospital is treating many of the seriously injured.

"You do not have to worry about medical treatment fees. The government will take care of you," Li told 71-year-old Yang Shangming, while holding his hand and asking him about his injuries and treatment.

While visiting Zhang Ke, a seriously injured 8-year-old boy, Li leaned over and whispered: "Does it hurt? Don't be afraid. You will be fine."

Special report: 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolts Ya'an, Sichuan