WITH the theme “Emergency Management and Safety for Everyone,” China observed its 17th National Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day on Monday, with this week designated as Disaster Awareness Week.

Established in 2009, May 12 commemorates the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province. The day serves to raise public awareness about natural disasters while promoting prevention and relief measures.

In recent years, global warming has led to more frequent and intense natural disasters, including droughts, floods, typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, pest outbreaks, and forest fires.

This year, publicity campaigns and training activities have been conducted nationwide to enhance public awareness of disaster prevention and self-rescue techniques. Many schools have organized lectures and emergency drills for students.(SD News)