State Councilor Wang Yong, who also heads the State Council’s earthquake relief headquarters, recently visited the Chinese Earthquake Administration and the China Earthquake Networks Center, where he emphasized the need for increased efforts to enhance earthquake forecasting and early-warning capabilities, as well as pre-quake preparation.
During his visit, Wang urged the administration and center to prioritize improving the timeliness and accuracy of earthquake forecasting, noting that it is crucial to identify sources of danger in earthquakes through comprehensive screenings. By doing so, relevant authorities can make necessary preparations and take swift action to minimize the impact of any impending earthquake.
To this end, Wang called for more efforts in advancing quake-resistant construction projects, particularly the structural enhancement of old buildings and public venues. He highlighted that it is necessary to prioritize the safety of the public and ensure that the buildings they frequent are equipped to withstand seismic activity.
Moreover, Wang emphasized the need to promote disaster mitigation knowledge among the public, stating that people must be equipped with the necessary information to respond effectively in the event of an earthquake. With such knowledge, individuals can act quickly and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others, ultimately reducing the overall impact of an earthquake.
The potential devastation caused by earthquakes cannot be underestimated. As such, enhancing forecasting and early-warning capabilities, pre-quake preparation, and promoting disaster mitigation knowledge among the public are crucial steps towards mitigating the risks posed by seismic activity. State Councilor Wang’s recent visit to the Chinese Earthquake Administration and the China Earthquake Networks Center serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous efforts in this regard, to ensure that China is well-prepared to respond to any future earthquakes.