Abstract
In the context employed here, disaster management refers to the administrative measures, principles, and policies enforced by governments, armed forces, enterprises, and social groups in the course of disaster prevention, relief and reconstruction. Between 1949–1990, many serious natural disaster occasions have been chronicled in China. The average annual periodicity for selected significant disaster agents is indicative: 5.6 floods; 6 earthquakes greater than Richter magnitude R6; 6.9 tropical windstorms; and 7.5 droughts have been recorded in this 40–year period. Moreover, between 1949–1984 16 000 large forest fires have occurred. Direct annual economic tosses from natural disaster total approximately 50 billion yuan (US $1 billion); arguably indirect losses are much greater. Losses from technological hazards, especially those caused by factory explosions and mining, are also alarming. Earthquake is regarded as the most serious natural hazard, with almost one-third (32.5%) of the territory and 45% of mainland cities located in seismic zones which could result in an R7 earthquake. Twenty-four of the 31 provinces and autonomous regions have experienced earthquakes of R6 or greater. Because China is a country which is frequently impacted by natural hazards, disaster managers have accumulated a wealth of useful experiences and many valuable lessons have been learned, much of which could be useful to other nations. This paper attempts to put those experiences and lessons together, and also assesses the reforms which are taking place in Chinese disaster management.
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