Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on the whole country to join the rescue operation and aid in disaster relief for victims in the worst earthquake in decades to hit China. The death toll from Monday's earthquake in the southwestern province of Sichuan may rise to 50,000. TU Yun has the details.

Reporter: Monday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake was felt in most parts of the country. Premier Wen Jiabao said it was the most serious geological hazard China has faced in decades.

"This earthquake is the most destructive tremor and had the most wide-spreading impact since New China was founded in 1949."

The Premier said it was even more powerful than the Tangshan earthquake in 1976. The catastrophe in northern Hebei Province claimed about 240,000 lives three decades ago.

More than 50,000 people are feared dead in Sichuan alone after Monday's earthquake.

The premier noted that the first stage of rescue work was carried out effectively. He urged rescue forces to continue saving people's lives, saying it is still the first priority.

"As long as hope of survival still exists, we are to devote to the efforts 100%. We won't give up."

Over 60,000 people trapped and injured during the quake have been rescued by Thursday morning.

On Thursday, Wen Jiabao visited Guangyuan City in Sichuan Province, another place devastated by the disaster.

He encouraged disaster relief personnel, including firemen and medics to continue their fights against the natural calamities.

"The Party and the country thank and the people need you. When the people see the firemen and medical teams, they will feel at ease and relieved. They regard you as their relatives. You should be unafraid of difficulties and sacrifices, devoting yourself to rescue the people."

Wen also encouraged local residents to "rise from sorrow, help each other and rebuild home."

"We need to be united, to rebuild our homes with our hands. The government is concerned about you and will do the utmost to help you."

TU Yun, CRI news.