Premier Li Qiang Calls for Stronger Disaster Prevention and Relief Capacity
Dragon Media News Desk
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for the continued strengthening of China’s disaster prevention, mitigation and relief capabilities to protect people’s lives and property.
Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of Tangshan in North China’s Hebei Province on Tuesday.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Tangshan Earthquake. The magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck the city on July 28, 1976, killing more than 240,000 people and destroying virtually all buildings in Tangshan.
During a visit to the Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park, Li laid a flower basket in memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and the heroes who died during disaster relief operations. He also bowed three times before the memorial wall.
Li said the people of Tangshan had rebuilt a modern city from the ruins over the past five decades. As the city enters a new stage of development, he urged it to seize opportunities arising from the coordinated development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region.
He called on Tangshan to make full use of its distinctive strengths and further develop the city, which is widely recognised as a symbol of courage and resilience, into a safer and more prosperous place.
At a rehabilitation centre for people left paraplegic by the earthquake, Li called for continued improvements in medical rehabilitation, daily care and long-term support. He also urged stronger assistance and better public services for people with disabilities.
During a visit to a rescue base operated by a state-owned engineering emergency-response force, Li stressed the importance of maintaining constant vigilance and strengthening rescue equipment, technological support and emergency-response capacity.
He also called for greater efforts to improve public awareness of disaster prevention and strengthen people’s ability to protect themselves during emergencies.
Noting that the period from late July to early August is critical for flood control in China, Li urged relevant departments to fully fulfil their responsibilities.
He called for stronger weather and risk monitoring, improved early-warning systems, adequate emergency supplies and equipment, and prompt, scientific and orderly rescue and relief operations whenever disasters occur.
