Premier Wen calls for courage, patience

This is the fourth time this year that southern China has been hit by snow storms. After presiding over a meeting in the State Council, Premier Wen Jiabao went back to Hunan to direct disaster relief efforts.

Wen Jiabao arrived Hunan on Friday and immediately called for meetings of the State Council's Emergency Group and the provincial government to discuss ways to ensure the resumption of transportation, electricity supply, and make all necessary provisions for people in the disaster hit areas.

In the evening, three separate groups briefed the Premier about the result of their discussions, and the proposed measures for relief.

Wen Jiabao said the aim of his visit is to see that all the measures to resume transportation, power supplies and the arrangement for people in the disaster hit areas are implemented.

On Saturday, Hunan was again hit by rain and snow. This disaster posed great challenges to the 5 million volt electrical wire network in the province. Wen Jiabao inspected the biggest power plant in Hunan. Two of the 4 generators at the plant are operating, and damaged cables are under repair.

Wen Jiabao said, "In dealing with the disasters, the first thing is to repair the damaged power system as soon as possible to ensure supplies. The second is to do everything to increase coal stocks; and the third is to resume production and adjust the structure of power consumption."

Wen Jiabao emphasized that modern society requires a greater ability to mobilize resources from all sides to deal with emergencies in a scientific manner. A extraordinary spirit is needed for extraordinary tasks in an extraordinary period.

On Sunday afternoon, Wen Jiabao visited Chenzhou, the hardest-hit city in Hunan. He visited truck drivers stranded on the Chenzhou section of Beijing-Zhuhai expressway, and explained to them the current situation. He asked if the drivers had enough food and water and encouraged them to keep up their morale. Wen Jiabao said the road is expected to be cleared within two days.

Wen Jiabao also wanted to know if low-income families had received their subsidies. Chenzhou has been without electricity for days. Local authorities said they had dispatched enough food and necessities to the residents. Wen Jiabao told them that the government is doing everything it can for the relief work. He said the government is determined to restore power as soon as possible.