China repairs new wound with experience from Wenchuan, Yushu quakes

Soldiers prepare to rescue in relics of Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 12, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's experience in disaster relief during two major earthquakes in 2008 and 2010 has helped authorities to move faster and more effectively in aiding the northwestern county of Zhouqu, leveled by mudslides on Sunday, experts said here Thursday.

"China launched an efficient and comprehensive relief campaign after the mudslides, gathering manpower, relief supplies and financial aid in a short period of time," said Dai Yanjun, deputy dean of study and research with the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

"The country has learned its lesson from the past, and improved its emergency response measures over the years," Dai said.

At least 1,117 people died when massive mudslides swept down on sleeping residents in Zhouqu, a remote county of China's Gansu Province. Another 627 are still missing as of Wednesday.

The tragedy added to the physical and emotional scar of the nation from the 8-magnitude Wenchuan earthquake, which had left more than 80,000 people dead or missing, and this April's 7.1-magnitude Yushu earthquake, with a toll of close to 2,700.

Yet, the country quickly reacted to save people's lives hours after Sunday's mudslides.

By 5 a.m. Sunday, troops from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Lanzhou Military Area Command had already set out for Zhouqu for disaster relief, with an advance party reaching the county at 11 a.m.