BEIJING - The Communist Party of China (CPC) has called for scientific and orderly efforts to resettle displaced people and rebuild in the quake zone in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

The instructions were carried in a statement released after an Aug 20 meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over by General Secretary Xi Jinping.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake in Ludian, Yunnan on Aug. 3, killed more than 600 people and destroyed 80,000 homes.

“Post-quake reconstruction should be scientific and based on a thorough and objective evaluation of losses,” the statement said, stressing quake resistance for reconstructed buildings.

The severe damage and death toll have been blamed on the poor construction of buildings, dense population and the quake’s shallow epicenter.

Shortly after the quake, the China Earthquake Administration revealed that most rural houses in the area were made of brick or wood, and not designed to be resistant to quakes.

“Competent medical teams must be organized to save the lives of critically injured people and limit the number of deaths and people left disabled... Preparations should be made to ensure local people can survive the winter,” the statement said.

While emphasizing the necessity of basic food and living supplies, it urged health workers to safely dispose of waste and keep the area clean so as to prevent epidemics.

Wednesday’s meeting noted that reconstruction should take into account environmental protection and the country’s urbanization and rural upgrade drives. Top priority should be given to residential buildings, schools and hospitals.

The repair of infrastructure should ensure smooth traffic and the availability of water, electricity and telecommunications, the meeting was told.

School repairs and reconstruction must be finished so that primary and middle school students can start the autumn semester in September as scheduled.

While the government vowed to support reconstruction, input from non-government groups or individuals is encouraged and local people should be guided in their own efforts to get back to normal, the statement said.

According to a press release from the State Council, China’s Cabinet, on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang also urged quality post-quake reconstruction in a separate meeting.

Li asked local authorities to spare no efforts to treat the wounded and offer survivors counseling.

Local authorities should strengthen monitoring for aftershocks and other secondary disasters to ensure safety in the temporary settlements set up in Yunnan, he said.