Chinese President Hu Jintao (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. Hu said the challenge is still daunting, the task is still arduous and the time pressing. Premier Wen, who had been in the disaster zone visiting victims and directing rescue efforts, would fly back to Beijing. By 4:00pm Thursday, the confirmed death toll in Sichuan alone had increased to 19,509, and more than 50,000 are feared dead in the quake. [Xinhua]