Chinese government asks better emergency response as flood season comes

The State Council held a national meeting on emergency management from Friday to Saturday, urging local governments to examine hidden dangers that could make natural disasters worse and prepare well-thought-out emergency response plans.

State Councilor Hua Jianmin urged governments at all levels to further improve emergency response plans and enhance emergency management capabilities to better cope with all types of emergencies and promote social harmony and stability.

There was consensus at the meeting that the country's emergency response system has been basically established. Institutions for emergency management have been set up and legislation for coping with emergencies has been improved.

In January, the State Council, China's cabinet, issued a national plan on emergency responses which became a guide for the prevention and treatment of various incidents in China.

The plan divides the incidents into four categories; natural disasters, accidents, public health incidents and social safety incidents. They are also ranked into four classes according to the incident's character, its degree of harm, its possibility for control and its scale of influence.

All provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have also made corresponding plans, establishing an elementary emergency response framework throughout the country.

The meeting conceded that problems still exist in emergency preparedness and response. Some local government's emergency response work remains weak. Some officials have delayed the reporting of incidents, or lie on and hide the truth on the accidents.

By the end of May this year, dozens of people have died in floods, and explosions and coal mine accidents have taken many lives.

Participants in the meeting agreed that improving emergency management capabilities is an important component of a harmonious society. It also reflects the principles of putting people first and governing for the people.

Source: Xinhua