Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Monday urged the drainage of a barrier lake in northwest China's mudslide-devastated county of Zhouqu to be conducted in a scientific, safe and speedy manner.

The barrier lake problem should be solved within two days, Hui said.

Hui told rescue workers the first priority in the relief work is to save people.

Hui also called for increased checks of potential geological hazards and the evacuation of local residents to minimize casualties.

Downpour-triggered landslides and mud-rock flows blocked the Bailong River in Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, early Sunday morning, causing a lake to form.

The barrier lake poses a great threat to local residents and is also an obstacle to relief work, Hui said.

Hui called for the quick dredging of the Bailong River to accelerate the drainage of the lake and to ensure the basin's safety for this year's flood season.