China

China, with its vast geographic mass and population, has unique challenges in planning and preparing for disaster relief. Historically, China has suffered some of the largest natural disasters ever, at least when judged in terms of loss of life. China has endured six of the world's top 10 deadliest natural disasters, including the top three: the 1931 China floods, in which between two and four million perished; the 1887 Yellow River floods, which caused between one and two million fatalities; and the 1556 Shaanxi earthquake, which resulted in over 800,000 deaths. China's natural propensity for earthquakes and flooding creates an atmosphere where governmental preparation and response is essential. The Chinese government has a great interest in protecting Chinese lives and property. This interest, coupled with a concern for the sustained and systematic development of China's economy, has made comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent planning to prevent disasters a priority.

Chinese disaster management has placed a priority upon avoiding, and not merely responding to, risks before they occur. Such risks include natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and famines, as well as human-created catastrophes such as aviation crashes and chemical spills. The Chinese government plans and prepares for mitigation of potential risks; preparedness for possible disasters; quick, appropriate response; and recovery that restores areas to their previous state. The National Disaster Reduction Center (NDRC) of the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) is the Chinese government's specialized agency that plans for and coordinates response to Chinese national disasters. The NDRC formulates policies that guide disaster management departments in their planning and preparation, and analyzes disasters that have occurred through case studies and advanced technology, including statistical modeling and satellite remote sensing.