President Hu Jintao inspects epicenter

Chinese President, Hu Jintao, has inspected two of the areas worst-hit by Monday's earthquake. On Friday, he offered his sympathy to survivors, and urged rescue workers to keep saving lives.

Time is running out for those still trapped. The President flew to the worst-hit areas as the estimated death toll was raised to over 50 thousand.

During the flight, Hu Jintao observed the quake damage and the progress of rescue work. He said more than 72 hours had passed since the quake struck but saving lives must remain the top priority for rescuers.

Hu said comprehensive rescue and relief work has been launched and is proceeding "effectively". "We need to make greater efforts to treat the injured, restore transport links, telecommunications and power supply infrastructure in quake-stricken areas, and we must ensure basic living conditions for local residents. Rescue and relief work has now entered the most crucial phase. We must make every effort, race against time and overcome all difficulties to save lives and rebuild homes," said Hu.