Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) greets President Hu Jintao upon Hu's arrival in Mianyang, a city in quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province, May 16, 2008. President Hu flew to quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province Friday morning to console the victims and inspect the rescue and relief work. ( Photo:Xinhua)

Chinese President Hu Jintao (front R) is greeted by Premier Wen Jiabao at Mianyang airport in Sichuan Province May 16, 2008. Hu arrived in the quake-battered zones to direct the rescue operations and to inspire the rescuers and victims of Monday's earthquake. [Photo: Xinhua]

(2008-05-16 10:46:21 Xinhua) Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Mianyang, a city in quake-hit southwestern Sichuan Province, after more than two hours of flight from Beijing on Friday morning.

During the flight, Hu opened a map, and carefully assessed the quake damage and the progress of relief work with others aboard the plane.

Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), flew to the quake-hit area to console the victims and inspect the rescue and relief work.

Hu will also visit the troops and medical workers who are engaged in around-the-clock relief efforts in the quake areas.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the confirmed death toll in Sichuan alone was 19,509 and more than 50,000 people were feared dead.