Preparing for disaster in COVID era advised in Sichuan
By Zhou Huiying | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2022-09-06 16:39
During the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control period, priority should be given to protecting the lives of people in disasters such as earthquakes, fires and floods, the health commission in Chengdu, Sichuan province, said on Monday.
The commission urged residents to take good protective measures while evacuating, if conditions permit, and avoid close contact with others while taking refuge.
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Luding county at 12:52 pm on Monday, the China Earthquake Networks Center reported.
The epicenter was monitored at 29.59 degrees north latitude and 102.08 degrees east longitude at a depth of 16 kilometers. The temblor was felt in Chengdu, 226 kilometers from the epicenter.
"Everyone should prepare an earthquake emergency kit containing drinking water, compressed biscuits, thermal blankets, flashlights, whistles, folding knives, toilet paper and medical kits," said Wang Tun, an expert in earthquake early warning and multi-disaster early warning information technology at Sichuan University and head of the Institute of Care-Life. "Masks and alcohol disinfectant are also necessary, but be careful to stay away from fire."
Once an earthquake happens, those who are under home quarantine should judge the distance and strength preliminarily and then choose different shock absorbing methods, he said.
"If there is a slight earthquake," he said, "please try to protect yourself from falling objects. And if encountering a strong one, please take shelter in a safe indoor area together with the emergency kit."
If people can reach the outdoors, they should wear masks and run to open areas as soon as possible, he said, adding that it is "necessary to maintain a safe distance from crowds."
Chengdu reported 59 local COVID-19 cases and 31 asymptomatic carriers on Monday, the commission said on Tuesday.