Better predictions and response

Although there has been much improvement, greater efforts are needed to mitigate the effects of future earthquakes

China is among the countries most frequently hit by strong earthquakes - those over magnitude-7 on the Richter scale - and 49 percent of its territory, 50 percent of its urban areas, and 70 percent of its cities with a population of more than 1 million, are located in high intensity quake zones.

To reduce the casualties and economic losses resulting from earthquakes, the government has gradually established an earthquake monitoring, warning and emergency rescue system.