Top leaders visited earthquake-hit areas around the country on Wednesday to oversee rescue and relief work. They said saving lives must continue to be the top priority and called on authorities to combine relief and rebuilding to make better homes for victims.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, talks with quake-affected people during his inspection at the quake-hit Chencang district of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 21, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Vice President Xi Jinping has visited the worst quake-hit area of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Xi Jinping reiterated that disaster relief must be the current top priority. He says badly damaged buildings must be sealed off to avoid further casualties...and injured people must receive good care. He says it's important to ensure people can carry on with daily life.

In a meeting with provincial authorities, Xi Jinping said the disaster relief work is a test of the government's administrative ability. He asked governments at all levels to do their utmost for the relief efforts.

Li Keqiang (R Front), Chinese vice premier and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, shakes hands with quake-relief soldiers near a tunnel at Xuankou Town of Wenchuan County, the epicenter of the May 12 magnitude 8 quake, in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on May 20, 2008. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Vice Premier Li Keqiang went to Sichuan's Mianzhu city, one of the worst-hit areas in the quake. He asked soldiers there to extend their search to every corner of the debris to save lives. In a temporary shelter zone, Li Keqiang told medical authorities to step up the work of disinfection and sterilizing to prevent epidemics.

Li also visited a key heavy mechanical equipment manufacturing plant, which was severely damaged in the massive earthquake. After discussion with plant managers and local authorities, Li said the plant will be rebuilt in a new location and asked governments to fast-track the process.

He also asked authorities to combine relief and reconstruction and make plans to build better homes for the earthquake victims.

He Guoqiang, CPC's top discipline inspector, oversaw earthquake relief work in the southwestern Municipality, Chongqing.

He called on party members to make rescue and relief work their top priority.

He Guoqiang described the relief work ahead as "tough" and "demanding", and asked Chongqing authority to fully support neighboring Sichuan Province's disaster relief efforts.

(CCTV May 22, 2008)