China Tightens Control over Release of Quake Forecast Amidst Active Earthquake Period ����China will strictly implement new regulations on earthquake forecasting and will punish those who release quake forecast without authorization. ����According to Chen Zhangli, director of the Chinese Seismological Bureau, China is one of the countries in the world that suffer most from earthquakes. Statistics show that the country's total death toll this century accounts for nearly 55 percent of the world's total. Since 1949, the people killed in earthquake have made up more than half of those who died from the natural disasters nationwide. ����China is currently experiencing its fifth period of active earthquakes. This period will last for at least several years. ����"China is faced with extensive efforts of preparedness against disaster," said Chen. ����The new regulations on earthquake forecast, which include specific guidelines for Beijing, stipulate that all the forecasts should be released by governments above the provincial level. Short-term forecasts for possible earthquakes in the capital have to be discussed by relevant departments under the State Council as well as the Beijing Municipal Government before being delivered to the State Council for approval. The final results will be released by the Beijing Municipal Government, according to regulations. The Chinese Seismological Bureau has also promulgated relevant regulations on the release of aftershock forecasts. ����Experts believe that the implementation of the new regulations will help the government intensify control over quake forecasting and give better protection to people's lives and property. ���� HomeNews 1999-01-20 Page5 Full Story in Chinese