Premier Li Keqiang recently made an instruction for disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, earthquake prevention and disaster reduction, and the first national survey on natural disaster risks.

Premier Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in the instruction that it is important to improve disaster prevention, mitigation and relief capabilities since the country is prone to natural disasters, and a national survey on natural disaster risks is a very important basic project.

All regions and related departments should implement the policies and decisions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and always put people and lives first. All departments should further fulfill their duties to improve disaster prevention, mitigation and a relief emergency plan system, make full preparations, enhance emergency rescue and disaster relief abilities, and make the public more aware of disaster prevention to minimize the risks and losses caused by natural disasters, Premier Li said.

He also urged solid efforts to carry out the first national survey on natural disaster risks and fully figure out hidden hazards across the country. An in-depth analysis into the survey data must be carried out to make good use of the survey results to improve the comprehensive regional planning for disasters, lay a solid foundation for disaster prevention and reduction in the entire society, provide a scientific basis for making decisions on fending off and defusing major natural disaster risks, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property, as well as sustained and sound economic and social development.

A video and telephone conference on the first national survey on natural disaster risks was held on June 22 in Beijing. State Councilor Wang Yong, also head of National Committee for Disaster Reduction, attended the meeting and gave a speech.

Wang urged carrying out President Xi Jinping’s important instructions on fending off and defusing major risks and improving the ability to prevent and control natural disasters.

He also asked to implement Premier Li Keqiang’s requirements in his instruction, put in place responsibilities, be well-organized in action and scientifically and effectively conduct the first national survey on natural disaster risks, providing scientific support for natural disaster prevention and control and sustainable economic and social development.

This is China’s first nationwide comprehensive survey on natural disasters, which is also a major investigation on national conditions and strength. It serves as an important foundation for the country’s future work of disaster prevention, reduction and relief, Wang said.

All regions and related departments should implement the policies and decisions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, promptly summarize the experience gained in pilot programs, refine and improve the process of programs, promote the coordination of technical standards, and do a solid job in key work, including investigation, evaluation and planning, he said.

Wang urged applying the results of the survey in a timely manner to eliminate the hidden dangers of major disasters and accidents. Under the unified leadership of central government, relevant departments and local governments should take their own responsibilities and join hands to strengthen guidance and supervision, ensure personnel and fund investment, and make extensive training and publicity. Thus the survey is ensured to be completed with high quality by the end of 2022. Through precisely revealing the hidden hazards of nationwide natural disasters, it is supposed to help improve the country’s disaster prevention and resistance capacity in an all-around manner, according to Wang.