1. What is the origin of Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day?
The origin of Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day is related to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. On May 12, 2008, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province. This was the most destructive earthquake with the largest impact since the founding of New China. The earthquake severely damaged an area of more than 100,000 square kilometers, affecting more than half of China and many Asian countries and regions. The earthquake was extremely harmful, killing 69,227 people, and the total affected population reached 46.256 million.
The pain is gradually gone, but the memory remains. Since 2009, with the approval of the State Council, May 12th has been designated as the National Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day. On the one hand, it complies with the demands of all walks of life for my country's disaster prevention and reduction. On the other hand, the Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day is an opportunity to enhance the national awareness of disaster prevention and reduction and improve grassroots emergency response capabilities.
2. How should we identify and respond to earthquake rumors?
Generally, the following situations can be judged as earthquake rumors:
First, the so-called earthquake "forecast opinions" that exceed the current actual level of earthquake forecasting and are very accurate and specific in time and location must be rumors.
The second is transnational earthquake prediction. If it is said that the earthquake was predicted by foreigners, it must be a rumor. Because this is neither in compliance with my country's regulations on issuing earthquake forecasts nor in compliance with international agreements.
The third is the rumor that exaggerates the consequences of the earthquake. Sometimes, especially after a strong earthquake, rumors such as "a certain place will subside" or "a certain place will be flooded" often appear. Such sensational news is also not credible.
After people hear rumors about earthquakes, they should either believe the rumors or spread them. At the same time, they should promptly report the rumors to the local government and earthquake authorities to help the earthquake authorities quell the rumors. If any abnormality in animals, plants or groundwater is found, report it to the seismic department in a timely manner and do not spread it randomly. The seismic department will take measures to investigate and verify it in a timely manner.
3. How to avoid shock when an earthquake strikes?
When you live in a building, choose a safer indoor shock-absorbing location, such as under a sturdy table or bed, beside low, sturdy furniture, in a room with a small opening and supports, such as a bathroom. If you are in an elevator during an earthquake, you should leave as soon as possible. If the door cannot be opened, squat down with your head in your hands and hold on to the handrails. When you live in a bungalow, if the space outside the house is wide and early warning signs are detected, you can run outside as soon as possible to avoid shocks.
At work, you should hide under or beside a sturdy desk as soon as possible, and evacuate quickly and orderly after the earthquake. Workers who are working should immediately turn off the machine, cut off the power supply, and quickly hide in a safe place. Special work departments (such as power plants, gas plants, nuclear power plants, etc.) should act in accordance with the provisions of the earthquake emergency plan . Students who are in class should quickly take shelter under their desks. After the earthquake, they should quickly evacuate the classroom under the instruction of the teacher and take shelter in the nearest open area.
Use your hands, school bag or other items to protect your head when absorbing shock. When evacuating after an earthquake, you must follow the instructions of on-site staff, avoid panic and crowding, and try to avoid the flow of people. If you are squeezed into a crowd, be careful not to fall. Protect yourself by crossing your arms over your chest, using your shoulders and back to absorb external pressure. Unbutton your collar and keep your breath open.
When outdoors, avoid tall buildings, hanging objects, etc. Also avoid other dangerous places, such as narrow streets, dangerous walls, awnings, flammable and explosive warehouses, etc.
( Jilin Provincial Earthquake Bureau provides pictures)
Author: Jilin Daily All-Media Reporter Sun Huanyu
