The Chinese government can deal with all kinds of natural disasters promptly and efficiently after years of practice in rescue, relief work, according to Yang Yanyin, vice-minister of civil affairs.  

He noted that his ministry and civil affairs departments at all levels were able to launch emergency schemes at short notice in case of earthquakes, floods or mud-rock flows.

Working teams would be sent immediately to disaster-hit areas, bring relief funds and living necessities to victims, he said at an ongoing national meeting on possible spring adversities and ensuing rescue, relief work.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs had set up a three-level emergency response system to natural adversities, Yang said, and would react according to the level.

To date, Yang noted, the system had also been applied in 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities nationwide, covering approximately 70 percent of cities and counties.

The central government had put up 10 specialized disaster storehouses, and spent 100 million yuan (about US$12 million) on relief goods, Yang said, and could assemble up to 270,000 tents in emergencies.

The government had also worked out a statistical, inspection and reporting system in case of natural calamities, Yang said. Local governments should report to the Ministry of Civil Affairs within seven hours of a serious disaster.

This would help the central government make very timely and appropriate plans for rebuilding and rehabilitating disaster-ravaged areas and coping with the needs of victims, said Yang.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2004)