Residents in Beichuan wait to be evacuated as three aftershocks hit the county in Sichuan on Friday. Beichuan is one of the areas hit hardest by the massive quake on Monday.

A strong aftershock sparked landslides on Friday near the epicenter of the earthquake, burying vehicles and again cutting off roads.

The 5.9-magnitude aftershock jolted Lixian county at around 1:25 pm on Friday, sending rocks sliding from nearby mountains. The number of casualties is unknown.

The military continued its disaster-relief work shortly after the tremor, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Despite the aftershocks, President Hu Jintao on Friday inspected quake-battered areas, where he urged continued efforts in rescue work and stressed that the top priority was to save people's lives.

Hu first visited quake victims in a village in Beichuan. More than 1,000 people have been reported dead or missing in the village.

The president spoke to one family in their tent. Seeing the man's daughter was injured in the quake, Hu said: "You've suffered ... We feel your anguish.

"The whole Party, the army and all the people have been mobilized to support the quake relief work," he said.

To people outside the tent, Hu said: "We will make every effort to rescue stranded people, treat the injured and make arrangements for the victims, as well as helping you to rebuild homes."

He encouraged the victims to overcome their difficulties with confidence, courage and strength.

He next visited the wreckage of Beichuan Middle School.

Knowing there were still 300 teachers and students buried in the ruins, Hu said: "As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we should use all means possible to try and rescue them."

Hu also praised the troops conducting rescue work at the school.

"You came to the frontline immediately, and threw yourself into the rescue work without regard for your own safety.

"You have given hope, confidence and strength to the people," he said.

The rescue work has now entered a crucial stage, the president said.

"You should work around the clock to keep losses to a minimum."

At a field clinic by the school, Hu kissed the face of Luo Mengxi, a 3-year-old girl who lost her mother in the quake.