China invests $4.6 million a year in seismological study

Almaty. September 13. Silkroadnews – China invests $4.6 million a year in seismological research, China Daily reported.
“Chinese science authorities will give special funding to support seismological research on plate tectonics in the country's earthquake-prone areas. Zheng Guoguang, head of the China Earthquake Administration said funding up to 30 million yuan (4.6 million U.S. dollars) a year would go to the research program in the next five years,” the report said.
It is noted that the program, which starts this month, is co-sponsored by the China Earthquake Administration, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China National Natural Science Foundation.
In August, the publication reminds, China was hit by two strong earthquakes: one with magnitude 7 in Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province in the southwest of China, another, with magnitude 6.6 - in Bortala, the Mongolian autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang.
The Jiuzhaigou earthquake reported to leave at least 24 people killed and 493 injured.
Seismologists believe that the epicenter of the earthquake was located near three fault zones, with a frequent seismic activity creating a seismic hazard. According to Zheng, the in-depth seismological research program will help scientists to understand the rhythm of seismic activity and conduct an earthquake risk assessment. The program also includes the construction of seismic resistant buildings and creation of earthquake information service.