China mourns quake dead, draws lessons (4)

QUAKE LESSONS

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.

"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 km from Wenchuan, was also affected by that quake.

Last week's quake in Ya'an has intensified local residents' fears over whether their buildings that remain standing are still safe.

Such fears have overshadowed post-quake 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, an issue that has aroused widespread concern on the web.

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 strictly implement national quake-proof standards in building homes, schools and other public facilities," said Fan.

Meanwhile, Fan said it is essential to inform the public of quake survival skills. "People tend to panic during a disaster and many were injured while hurriedly throwing themselves out of high-rise windows."

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

China also faces challenges in post-quake relief work, including resettlement of survivors and psychological counseling, which is expected to continue for a long time, according to Wang, a Beijing Normal University specialist for public welfare studies.

Wang was formerly a relief official with Ministry of Civil Affairs.