Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday kept rushing from one quake-hit city to another to assure victims in southwest China that rescuers and relief materials are on the way.

"Rescue teams of soldiers and armed police officers are going all out to reach the worst-hit regions and many have already started rescuing trapped people," said Wen at Dujiangyan city, Sichuan Province, Tuesday where an emergency command was set up.

Some rescue and medical teams had already arrived, he said.

"We will try our best to send milk powder to parents and ensure children do not go hungry," he said after learning that some infants were running short of food and many people needed drinking water and tents.

"It is raining and fairly cold. You are having a hard time, but please hold on. Things will be better after a while and you will be back home soon," he told victims taking refuge in temporary shelters on the streets.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake centered on Wenchuan County, northwest Sichuan occurred on Monday afternoon and has claimed more than 12,000 lives nationwide.

"Houses were damaged and we can rebuild them. Those who survived can pull through all difficulties and overcome this major natural disaster," Wen said.

He later visited a primary school where students were trapped in collapsed buildings.

Rescuers were working to get two pupils out of the ruins when Wen reached the site.

"Hold on, you will be saved," a clearly emotional Wen told the pair. He asked rescuers to make every effort to save as many children as possible.

Wen was visiting cities worst hit by the quake, including Dujiangyan, Deyang and Mianzhu city, Sichuan Province.

The Premier left Dujiangyan for Deyang city to preside over a meeting of the disaster relief headquarters at noon on Tuesday.

Wen listed four serious problems to be addressed immediately. "Food, especially biscuits, milk powder, bread, milk and drinking water are most needed," he said.

With the rain still falling in quake-hit areas, the government must provide victims with enough tents, he said.

The government would also speed up the distribution of medicines and send medical teams to the front line and even try to airlift them into some isolated regions, he said.

"Many people, including children, are still trapped in ruins. Time is life," the premier said, asking governments at all levels to summon as many rescue resources as possible.

He said the rescue work had entered a crucial stage and asked people to remain calm, confident and united as he inspected a factory in Mianzhu.

He urged officials to ensure the rapid distribution of food.

He comforted a crying child, saying, "Don't cry. Food will be sent in a short time. Biscuits and milk powder will be sent in a short time."

Wen told villagers: "The quake has brought you hardships. I know some of your family and friends have died. We are deeply saddened. Some people are still trapped. We will do our utmost to rescue them."

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)