Xi urges all-out rescue, relief efforts after bridge collapses in northwest China

BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all-out rescue and relief efforts to safeguard people's lives and property after the collapse of a highway bridge in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the instructions after the bridge, located in Zhashui County in Shangluo City, collapsed at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Friday due to flash floods caused by heavy rain. Eleven people were killed while over 30 others remained missing as of 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The immediate priority is to carry out rescue operations, make every effort to search for the missing and minimize casualties, Xi said in the instructions, also urging efforts to assist the families of the affected.

Xi emphasized the importance of well-planned rescue and the prevention of secondary disasters.

He stressed that as the critical period of flood control approaches, it is imperative for regions and relevant departments to be extra vigilant, fulfill their duties diligently, improve monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms, strengthen inspections, and implement various measures meticulously to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property.

Premier Li Qiang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, has given instructions to spare no effort in searching for and rescuing the missing people, investigate the cause promptly and take measures to prevent secondary disasters.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, has led a working team to the site to guide rescue efforts.