Book your room today!
Deadline for conference rates:
October 14, 2008

Plenary 2: Response to the May 2008 Sichuan Earthquake
The most recent example of a devastating earthquake provides information and case studies for response and recovery. This session will provide information from those who were there in the aftermath of the May 2008 Sichuan Earthquake and will provide and update on the recovery status.

Dr. Chunfeng Hu, Deputy Director, Institute of Engineering Mechanics, Chinese Earthquake Authority, Presentation

Wenchuan [Sichuan] Earthquake and Earthquake Disaster Mitigation in China

by Dr. Chunfeng Hu

The destructive Wenchuan earthquake is also the most difficult event for response and rescue. Since China has been exploring the most effective way to reduce earthquake disaster for many years, it is the time to have a full test of what has been done in terms of earthquake preparedness and disaster reduction, as well as new lessons and inspiration for us to learn in the coming years. In this presentation, the efforts in earthquake disaster reduction during the Wenchuan earthquake which effectively reduce the losses of life and the influence of society was emphasized, as well as some lessons from the event especially from on site investigation. The earthquake resistance of buildings, bridges and various kinds of structures is no doubt the most important factor to reduce the casualty during earthquakes. To effectively reduce the disaster, we should pay attention both to the mega-cities and rural areas, especially in developing countries. Finally, a future reduction plan, which is worked out to deal with the challenge of economic growth and earthquake disaster threats, has been briefly introduced.