All disaster relief work underway smoothly

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-31-2008 11:17

Special Report:   2008 Spring Festival

Earlier CCTV reporter Zhang Yong talked to

Mr. Pang Chenmin talked about the current disaster  relief work and measures taken by the Ministry to  help people get on normally in heavily hit areas.

from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. He talked about the current disaster relief work and measures taken by the Ministry to help people get on normally in heavily hit areas.

Reporter: What's the current situation caused by the disastrous weather?

Mr. Pang Chenmin: The heavy snow so far has affected 17 provinces across the country. Six provinces including Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guizhou, Jiangxi and Anhui are the most severely affected. The disastrous weather has affected over 105 million people, causing the death of 38 people and leaving 1.6 million waiting for aid. A total of 149 thousand houses collapsed under the weight of snow and over 6.67 million hectares of crops were damaged. The total economic loss has reached over 32.7 billion rmb.

Reporter: What are some special difficulties in dealing with THIS disaster?

Mr. Pang Chenmin: Well, the disastrous weather happened near the spring festival when people are eager to go back home. And the heavy snow and sleet happened in the South. The timing and the place is causing great difficulties in disaster relief. Currently we are faced with two major obstacles. The first one is traffic. Expressways, railways and other transportation have been disrupted the heavily hit areas. The second problem is the shortage of power supply. As we all know a lot of cities in Guizhou are still in the dark.

Reporter: What has the Ministry of Civil Affairs done to guarantee the normal life of local people in the snow hit areas?

Mr. Pang Chenmin: All the disaster related Ministries are working cooperatively to cope with the current situation the best we can. For the Ministry of Civil Affairs, our priority is to guarantee people's daily lives. First of all, we did a lot of investigations nationwide and made sure all the information we have is accurate and open to public. Secondly, we have enacted emergency plans six times. And we've also been reacting quickly to new problems and are making clear strategies in coping with them. For example, a lot of passengers have been stranded while on their way home. We immediately decided that apart from providing aid to people in the disaster areas, these passengers must also be provided with enough food, water and necessary medical care. Thirdly, we are allocating more funds in disaster relief. The Ministry of Civil Affairs and Ministry of Finance have already allocated 193 million yuan to six provinces hardest hit by rain and snow to assist people affected. And finally with the help of PLA, we are allocating over 600 ,000 quilts and winter coats to help local governments fight the effects of the weather. As far as I know, all the disaster relief work is underway smoothly. And we are fully prepared for the obstacles and challenges ahead.

 

Editor:Zhang Ning