Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived on Wednesday at Beichuan County, one of the regions worst hit by Monday's massive earthquake, to oversee the rescue work.

The death toll is estimated at 3,000 to 5,000, with nearly 10,000 injured, in Beichuan, which neighbors the epicenter of the massive quake.

While inspecting rescue operations in Qushan Town, two kilometers from Beichuan County, Wen encountered several soldiers who rushed to carry a injured girl. Wen asked people to make way for the injured girl.

"Time is life," he stressed and urged rescuers to do their utmost to rescue survivors.

Wen also expressed appreciation to several American volunteers who joined in disaster relief in Qushan Town.

"On behalf of the Chinese government, I'd like to express my thanks to the Americans for your help in the quake-hit regions," he said.

While answering questions raised by reporters from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, he also expressed his thanks to Hong Kong compatriots.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2008)