Recently, the Ministry of Transport issued the Guideline on Further Improving Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Capabilities of Rural Roads, defining the overall requirements, the improvement of disaster resistance capacity, enhancement of, the disaster response, the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, and the establishment of sound safeguard measures. The guideline calls for the improvement of the disaster prevention and mitigation system for rural roads, enhancement of the disaster resistance capacity of the infrastructure, reduction of damage to rural roads caused by disasters, acceleration of disaster relief, and restoration of traffic, and better protection of the safety of people's lives and property.
By optimizing planning and design, the ministry should enhance the construction quality of rural roads, detect and remove hidden dangers, and strengthen the essential safety of rural roads facilities. By enhancing patrols and protection of key sections during critical periods, the ministry should strengthen the capacity of contingency reserve and drills for contingency response, and enhance the disaster emergency response, engage in rescue and relief work with all-out efforts after disasters , quickly open up the lifeline for emergency rescue and relief, and ensure the safe and smooth passage of emergency personnel and equipment, according to the guideline.
Efforts should be made to ensure all channels are open and timely repairs are advanced, said the guideline. The ministry should speed up post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, strengthen post-disaster assessment and summary, and restore the capacity of damaged rural highways as soon as possible. We should strengthen organization and leadership, guarantee financial support, reinforce technical support, constantly improve the construction of emergency plans and working mechanisms for disaster prevention and mitigation of rural roads, and enhance the capabilities of risk identification and emergency response of rural roads.
Reprinted from: China Traffic News