Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Pemier Wen Jiabao (C) arranges relief work of the earthquake during his flight for the disaster area on May 12, 2008. Premier Wen flew into southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday afternoon and left straight for the quake-hit county of Wenchuan, 159 kilometers from the provincial capital of Chengdu, to oversee rescue work there. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- China's Premier Wen Jiabao has asked for public calm and efficient organization of disaster relief work after a major quake hit southwest China's Sichuan Province on Monday.

    Speaking as he flew to the area to oversee relief work, Wen said the CPC Central Committee and the Cabinet had ordered Party and government officials at all levels to the front line to organize disaster relief.

    Officials should make every effort to help the people and to overcome fear and fatigue, Wen said aboard his flight to Taipingsi airport on the outskirts of the Sichuan provincial capital, Chengdu, on Monday evening.

    "My fellow Chinese, facing such a severe disaster, we need calm, confidence, courage and efficient organization," he said.

    "I believe we can certainly overcome the disaster with the public and the military working together under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the government."

    The quake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale jolted Wenchuan County in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 2:28 p.m. on Monday, according to the China Seismological Bureau (CSB).

    The epicenter of the quake, which has claimed more than 100 lives, was located 31 degrees north and 103.4 degrees east, the bureau said.

    Premier Wen headed for Wenchuan directly from central China's Henan Province where he cut short an inspection of rural areas.

    President Hu Jintao called on government departments involved in disaster relief work to organize immediate first aid for the people and to ensure public safety.

    The State Council, or the Cabinet, has established an emergency disaster relief headquarters comprising eight departments responsible for helping with rescue work, medical care, security, information and other tasks.

    Premier Wen has been assigned senior leader of the headquarters.