Top CPC officials have met again to discuss the latest on the ongoing relief operation. President Hu Jintao chaired that meeting.

The officials stressed that the top priority is people's lives.

Top CPC officials listened to reports on relief efforts. They said that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the People's Liberation Army, CPC committees and governments at all levels have acted quickly. Relief work is being carried out smoothly and the situation on the whole is stable. They credited the PLA troops and armed police, the support of relevant authorities at all levels, and the public.

The point was made that the wide effects of the earthquake and the large number of victims have made rescue efforts more difficult. The central government called on relevant authorities at all levels to put relief efforts first, to overcome the difficulties, to unite together and to deal with the aftermath of the quake.

The officials stressed that the top priority is people's lives. They said as long as there is a glimmer of hope, rescuers should do everything possible to save the people's lives. The central government will send in more soldiers, armed police and security police with necessary equipment immediately.

The central government has also decided to send more medical teams and groups of experts from all over the country to the quake-hit areas. Part of their mission will be epidemic prevention.

The government is also calling for the collection of basic supplies like food, drinking water, clothes, quilts and tents.

At the same time, the central government is directing respective departments to repair infrastructure for transport, telecommunications and power. It noted the importance of preventing earthquake-related disasters.

Rescue teams are to follow scientific dispatch and ensure implementation of the central government's strategy on disaster relief.

The government says with the joint efforts of the military and the Chinese people, the nation will overcome difficulties caused by the earthquake.