On October 22, the Ministry of Emergency Management held its quarterly press conference, where it provided an update on the national safety production and natural disaster situation in the first three quarters of the year, along with insights into its recent key initiatives. During the conference, Chen Sheng, the director of the Ministry’s Disaster Relief Department, emphasized the daunting challenges facing disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. He mentioned that the Ministry would collaborate with relevant departments to guide and assist affected areas in planning their post-disaster reconstruction projects, ensuring comprehensive preparations for project applications, and striving to keep disaster-affected residents warm during the winter to prevent poverty caused by disasters.
During the press conference, a reporter inquired about the current status of disaster relief efforts in regions impacted by this year’s severe floods and typhoons, noting the extensive work carried out by the National Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Relief Office and the Ministry of Emergency Management in conjunction with other departments.
Chen Sheng replied that the natural disaster situation this year has been complex and severe, presenting significant challenges to disaster relief efforts. He highlighted that the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Ministry, along with relevant departments, have made substantial progress in their relief work. He outlined several key aspects of this progress:
First, there has been a notable increase in the frequency of response activations. In January, the State Council released a revised “Emergency Plan for National Natural Disaster Relief,” optimizing conditions for initiating disaster response. In light of severe disasters, they proactively assessed situations and responded early, activating disaster relief responses 23 times this year, the highest in nearly a decade. Specifically, a Level II response was initiated for Hunan, and four responses were activated for Guangdong, which played a crucial role in organizing rescue efforts efficiently.
Second, financial support has been significant. The Ministry reviewed the rapid funding allocation practices from last year’s main flood season, which received positive feedback. They subsequently improved the rapid funding disbursement mechanism, resulting in a remarkable increase in efficiency this year, with more than 80% of emergency funds already allocated. Additionally, the clearing process for these funds has been accelerated, with damage assessments in the most affected provinces expected to be completed by the end of October.
Third, the implementation of practical measures has proven effective. The National Committee for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has strengthened its coordination role, improving communication and action planning in response to the severe impacts faced by major disaster areas such as Pingjiang and Zixing in Hunan and Jianchang in Liaoning and Linjiang in Jilin. Working groups have been deployed to assess local conditions firsthand, facilitating policy guidance and providing substantial support, resulting in noticeable progress.
Chen noted that production and daily life in affected regions are recovering rapidly, with efficient progress in disaster relief and assistance. As an example, in Jianchang, Liaoning, after rescue efforts concluded on August 24, the focus quickly shifted to post-disaster reconstruction. Damage assessments and repairs for affected schools were completed within a week, allowing them to reopen on schedule on September 1. Out of 4,295 homes needing reconstruction, 3,839 have been finished, with the remainder expected to be completed by the end of October, ensuring that residents will have new homes before winter.
Looking ahead, Chen acknowledged that the tasks associated with recovery and reconstruction remain significant. The Ministry will continue to guide and assist affected areas in planning their reconstruction projects and enhancing preparations for project applications. There will also be increased financial support for municipal infrastructure, road traffic, water conservancy projects, and recovery of damaged farmland, with a steadfast commitment to ensuring that disaster-affected residents stay warm during the winter and to prevent them from falling back into poverty due to the disaster.
