Xinjiang demands prompt report of natural disasters

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has said that all natural disasters should be reported within two hours, to allow for adequate response and support.

The request was included in the "measures for post-disaster relief" document, which will take effect on March 1, which aims to improve transparency in information flow and ensure timely and adequate relief work.

"In case of natural disasters that result in casualties or serious losses, local governments must lodge report within two hours to governments at higher levels, and immediately organize relief work," the document said.

It said the disasters include droughts, floods, hailstorms, sandstorms, blizzards, earthquakes, landslides, mud-rock flows, forest fires and biohazard.

Besides faster response, the document also requested local governments to draft relief budgets, using relief data from the previous year, to ensure timely allocation of funds and supplies.

The measures also requested local governments to improve post-disaster measure, which includes the relocation of victims to safer places and subsidizing those in poverty. Endi