"The issue is at the center of the forthcoming National Programs of Comprehensive Disaster Reduction, under the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10). The programs will be included in a guiding paper aimed at improving the country's disaster-response capabilities," said Zou Ming, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Civil Affairs' (MCA) Department of Disaster & Social Relief.
"Disasters like flooding and earthquakes could strike at the same place, so having a system in place that will allow the authorities to respond in a coordinated manner will improve efficiency and yield positive results," he added.
"International experience has proven that disaster risk management saves both lives and money. One dollar invested in disaster reduction today can save up to $7 tomorrow in relief and rehabilitation costs,' said Alessandra Tisot, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) senior deputy resident representative in China.