On the 30th anniversary of the Tangshan earthquake, a Workers' Daily article points out the Tangshan earthquake has also taught important lessons that can be carried forward in the future.

After a 7.8 Richter scale earthquake shook the northern industrial city of Tangshan on July 28th 1976, the "Tangshan spirit" became known nationwide. The unity of the local people, as well as their selfless, industrious and indomitable spirit, helped Tangshan's reconstruction process proceed rapidly. In less than a month after the earthquake, water and power supplies and transport and telecommunications links were all restored in the disaster-stricken areas.

The article says although local people suffered from the tragic experience, the earthquake was a driving force that led to more rapid strides in economic development. Tangshan also won the Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment.

In addition, groups of scientists have come to Tangshan for geological studies in order to gather experiences and learn how to defend and better protect people in future earthquake disasters. They believe gathering knowledge about earthquakes will help reduce losses.

They have made great progress in earthquake forecasting methods. With new technology, humans may be able to use satellites to monitor potential earthquake activity, thereby avoiding disasters.

Chinese seismology studies are now quickly developing. Summarizing experiences and lessons in tackling earthquakes, seismologists have proposed a new combined study establishing a theory base and framework for seismology and sociology. 
 
(CRI July 28, 2006)