Premier Wen Jiabao is in Hunan to help direct disaster relief work in the central Chinese province. Hunan has suffered an unprecedented cold spell for more than two weeks, with the heaviest snowfalls in more than 50 years.

 

Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in the city of Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, on Tuesday morning.

 

He flew out of Beijing on Monday night, but had to land at Tianhe Airport in neighboring Hubei Province because of the bad weather in Hunan, before completing his journey by train.

 

During the flight, Wen Jiabao discussed the disaster relief situation with officials accompanying him.

He said the crisis there means the government can't wait any longer.

Wen Jiabao said, "What we need mostly is to mobilize people to clear the ice and snow. It's an important job, whether on the roads or on the electricity lines. "

After discussing the current situation in Hunan, the Premier decided immediately to establish disaster-relief headquarters in Changshang. His aim is to safeguard the supply of electricity, and the efficient transport of resources such as coal and petroleum.

Wen Jiabao said, "Our task in Hunan province is to restore the electricity supply and rail operations between Changsha and Shaoguan. If we finish that successfully, it will build up the confidence of the whole nation in combating the disaster."

Shortly after his arrival in Changsha, Wen Jiabao held meetings with Hunan officials on how to fight the ice and snow, and how best to direct disaster relief work.

Wen Jiabao pointed out that the relevant authorities should spare no efforts to restore the electricity network, and resume operations on the railways linking China's north and south.

He said the priority for the railway authorities is to ensure that the transportation of passengers and essential supplies goes off without a hitch during the Spring Festival period.

Representing the Party and the State Council, Premier Wen extended gratitude to the people who're working hard on the rescue front. He praised the provincial government for its leadership in overcoming difficulties and battling against the disaster.

The Premier also warned that the situation is still continuing, and said all efforts should be made to prepare for the worst. He expressed his confidence in the province's capability to deal with the disaster aftermath in a short time.

Wen later went to see and gave condolences to the families of the three workers in the Hunan Electric Power Company, who lost their lives in rescue work. He said the people and the country won't forget them for their sacrifices.

The Premier also visited the Changsha Railway Station and spoke with passengers stranded there.

Wen Jiabao said, "I'm so sorry that you are all stuck here. We are fighting against time to restore the power grids. Once the repairs are finished, railway services will resume. And you will be going home for the Spring Festival soon! I wish you a happy Spring Festival. Thank you!"

In the afternoon, Wen Jiabao travelled along the Beijing-Zhuhai highway and stopped in the hardest-hit area of Majiahe, in Xiangtan city. Wen said electricity company employees have done well in coping with the disaster there. They not only protected the power grids in Hunan, but also assisted their counterparts in neighboring Guizhou province. Wen said he appreciates their contribution.

Also on the Beijing-Zhuhai highway Wen visited the Changtan Highway workers who have been engaged in relief work for 6 consecutive days. The premier expressed his appreciation to them as well.