Xi urges 'accurate' evaluation of Lushan quake impact

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged for a "comprehensive and accurate" evaluation on the impact of the Lushan earthquake while stressing the resettlement of affected people as the "central task" for the relief work.

Xi made the remarks in an instruction released on Friday on the relief work following the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Lushan County in southwest China's Sichuan Province on April 20, leaving 196 dead and 21 missing.

He called for a quick start on the reconstruction work in the quake zone. Xi urged for a plan that draws on the successful experiences from the reconstruction work after an 8.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Wenchuan County in Sichuan on May 12, 2008.

According to Xi, the reconstruction plan should be based on the concept of green and sustainable development, coordinating the construction of infrastructure, public service facilities, and urban and rural homes.

"Quake-resistance and the scientific programming of the reconstruction plan must be boosted," Xi said in the instruction.

Calling for attention to both quake relief and social and economic development, Xi stressed that various aspects, such as people's living conditions, industrial development, agricultural development, poverty relief, urbanization and environmental protection, should be incorporated together.

Meanwhile, Xi urged members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Party organizations at all levels to guide people in the quake zone to improve living and working conditions through their own efforts.

While hailing the rescue work as "achieving major success," Xi stressed continued efforts to treat injured people, secure materials and fund supplies, ensure smooth traffic and the implementation of subsidy policies.

According to local authorities, water, electricity, road and other infrastructure supplies have been basically restored in the quake zone, and many schools have resumed classes.

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