Though China has progressed with its post-quake rescue and relief work, experts said the country still needs to improve disaster prevention and rescue efficiency.

Today marks World Children's Day, and children from earthquake-hit Lushan County in Sichuan Province are trying to get back to normal life after the disaster.

"This is the second deadly earthquake to hit Sichuan Province within five years," said Fan Xiao, a noted geologist in Chengdu. "Some areas are already facing another round of rebuilding."

Widespread attention and criticism was aroused over construction safety after homes, schools and other public buildings were reduced to debris in the devastating earthquake of Wenchuan County that left more than 80,000 people dead or missing.

Ya'an, 200 kilometers from Wenchuan, was also affected by that quake. Last week's quake in Lushan County, Ya'an City, has intensified local residents' fears over whether buildings still standing are safe.

Such fears have overshadowed rebuilding now that rescue work has come to an end and new homes are being mapped out.

Experts continue to study whether damage has been done to houses that were built in Ya'an after the 2008 quake.

To build homes and public facilities that can withstand future tremors is a major test for the government, said Fan.

"It's crucial to fully evaluate all buildings in the quake-hit and quake-prone areas and implement national quake-proof standards in building homes, schools and other public facilities," said Fan.

Fan said it is also essential to teach quake survival skills.

Meanwhile, relief specialist Wang Zhenyao of Beijing Normal University said China still lags far behind Russia and Japan in post-quake search and rescue, in equipment and expertise.

(Xinhua contributed to this story)

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