Teleconference on Geological DisastersChina will take substantial measures against geological disasters, so as to enhance the country's abilities to prevent such calamities and minimize possible losses, said Sun Wensheng, a vice minister of Land and Resources.As of July 15, China experienced a series of such calamities this year, resulting in 555 deaths, said Sun at Tuesday's national teleconference on the prevention and control of geological disasters. Before the arrival of the flood season, the ministry sent six work teams to key areas to make sure that all necessary preparations were in place, Sun said. Land and resources departments had the task of monitoring and forecasting potential disasters. The efforts made by these departments have saved the life of at least 2,000 people, said Sun. Special attention should be paid to the Yellow River and Huai River areas which often witness mudflows and landslides, Sun added. He urged local land and resources departments to check places vulnerable to potential geological disasters, strengthen cooperation with meteorological departments, set up grassroots monitoring networks, and enhance public awareness of such potential disasters. |
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