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The progress of emergency response and rescue in China: a comparative analysis of Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes

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Abstract

Earthquake emergency response and rescue (ERR) is a global challenge, but especially in developing countries. As a large earthquake-prone developing country, China’s experiences and lessons in ERR can provide a useful reference for other developing countries. In this article, China’s ERR progress is summarized by comparatively analyzing the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes, two major recent earthquake events in Sichuan Province. From a comprehensive investigation of the research, it can be concluded that emergency response speed, inter-organizational coordination, and relief resource mobilization are the three critical ERR indicators which can be further subdivided into sixteen sub-indicators. Using these indicators, the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquake ERR processes were comprehensively compared based on data collected from observations and interviews. The results showed that the response and rescue efforts at the Lushan earthquake were faster, more coordinated, and more orderly than those at the Wenchuan earthquake. In addition, the unified earthquake ERR system, the people-oriented principle, and the information disclosure mechanism were examined, which also revealed several major shortcomings, such as deficits in the adaptability to relief technologies, the lack of coordination between rescue organizations, and the lack of capabilities in the local communities. Finally, several recommendations are given for the practical improvement of and future research into the establishment of an effective ERR.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Major Bidding Program of the National Social Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 12 & ZD217), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2014M550470), the Major Program of the Social Science Foundation of Sichuan (Grant No. SC13ZD06), and the Research Funding of Sichuan University (Grant No. SKG2013001).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Emergency Management and Reconstruction in Post-disaster, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China

    Yi Lu & Jiuping Xu

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  1. Yi Lu
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  2. Jiuping Xu
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Correspondence to Jiuping Xu.

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Lu, Y., Xu, J. The progress of emergency response and rescue in China: a comparative analysis of Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes. Nat Hazards 74, 421–444 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-014-1191-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-014-1191-7

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