BEIJING, May 15, 2008 -- Premier Wen Jiabao has been in the disaster area since Monday. He has been coordinating various relief efforts to save the lives of the injured.

Premier Wen has been coordinating various relief efforts to save the lives of the injured.(Photo: CCTV.com)

On Wednesday, the premier returned to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, after overseeing rescue work in the counties of Beichuan and the worst-hit Wenchuan.

The premier extended his condolences to the victims and has ordered all the rescuers to do everything possible to save lives. The latest earthquake death toll has risen to nearly 15,000.

Premier Wen Jiabao has been in the disaster area since Monday. (Photo: CCTV.com)

Premier Wen said, "Saving lives is the key of our rescue work. We must dispatch rescuers to every affected county, village and scene. You must use the right methods in your work and make sure you have the right equipment."

Premier Wen has been coordinating various relief efforts to save the lives of the injured.(Photo: CCTV.com)

Source: CCTV.com

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) consoles locals as he pays a visit to Beichuan County, which neighbors the epicenter of the massive quake in southwest China's Sichuan Province, May 14, 2008. Wen Jiabao arrived on Wednesday at Beichuan County, one of the regions worst hit by Monday's massive earthquake, to oversee the rescue work. (Xinhua Photo)