System introduced

陈小将

The Ministry of Emergency Management has introduced the Rescue Coordination System for Social Emergency Forces.

Civilian teams can apply to take part in rescue efforts based on "disaster notices" published in the system. The coordination center then screens and selects suitable social emergency forces for rescue work based on factors such as distance, specialization and equipment. Teams approved are provided with a pass for toll-free travel within a certain distance, and access to the disaster area.

Some 2,000 teams are registered in the system, with many of them assisting work in Zhuozhou under the system, Wang said.

Despite the large number of civilian rescue teams rushing to Zhuozhou, there are concerns about which department can effectively coordinate these forces to ensure they work efficiently.

Lin Hongchao, director of China University of Political Science and Law's Emergency Law Research Center, told The Paper, a digital newspaper in Shanghai, that while the law does not explicitly state which department should handle coordination, rescue teams should follow government orders at the scene.

He referred to the Emergency Response Law implemented in November 2007, which states that severe rain and flooding in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region are sudden events that should be coordinated at provincial level.

"There have been cases where rescue teams rushing to a place with a relatively small area of operation have caused road congestion and potentially affected the movement of supplies. In addition, the expertise of each team varies," he said.

Lin added that local emergency management departments have a good grasp of their respective areas and the extensive civilian rescue teams. However, communication between provinces needs improving. Furthermore, restrictions on cross-regional organization of rescue teams add to the coordination challenges.

Yan Lihua, an emergency management expert from Hubei province, said in an interview with China National Radio that the government is the primary leader in responding to the disaster in Zhuozhou, and it should prioritize the principle of "life first, people first" and make every effort to ensure the safety of those affected.

"For people trapped in the floods, the most important thing for disaster relief is rescue facilities and professional personnel, so it is very important to mobilize nearby rescue forces quickly," Yan was quoted as saying.