At the top of the program, we continue our coverage of ongoing relief work at Lushan County in Southwest China's Sichuan province, five days after the region was struck by a powerful quake. So far, at least 196 have been killed, with more than 11,000 injured. 21 are still missing.
President Xi Jinping has given directions on the prevention of secondary disasters. He said given the frequent aftershocks and rainy weather, it is especially important to establish a monitoring and warning system and to make evacuation plans to minimize damage caused by secondary disasters.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, key lanes within the quake zone have been repaired and cleared to allow rescue workers and supplies in. Now the focus is being shifted to keeping the key lanes open, widening and solidifying existing roads, and preventing secondary disasters.
Meanwhile, the region is now bracing for the rainy season. Light showers are predicted in the area on Saturday. Authorities have also issued warnings for landslides in the coming days.
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