The Chinese Ministry of Water Resources has introduced a comprehensive dispatch and command mechanism for major flood and drought disasters, hoping to streamline and improve the response to such events.

The mechanism sets out clear triggers for emergency actions, covering key areas including problems with reservoirs, dam breaches, mountain floods, landslides, floodwater containment and any other unexpected water emergencies.

Luo Jinjun, director of the Flood Control Division within the Ministry's Department of Flood and Drought Disaster Prevention, clarified the mechanism's startup process.

"It outlines the activation process for the Ministry of Water Resources' major flood and drought disaster dispatch and command mechanism, specifying key tasks and work requirements across nine areas, such as disaster reporting, response initiation and decision-making through consultation," he said.

The mechanism aims to bolster vigilance to ensure a rapid response, strong command, efficient dispatch and effective implementation of flood and drought disaster prevention efforts.

"When the mechanism is triggered for a major flood or drought disaster, urgent action should be taken. And based on the process guidance, all stakeholders can fulfill their responsibilities to form a unified response," Luo said.

(Cover image is a still from the video)