China reinforces central emergency response law as vast swathes battle downpours, drought
- China has grappled with increasingly extreme weather in recent months, with forecasters warning of worse to come
“In accordance with the principles of centralised management [and] unified allocation”, the state shall also improve the “emergency distribution system” of relief materials and improve energy security to “ensure supply in areas affected by emergencies”, according to the revised law.
The revision, passed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body, takes effect in November.
Maximum penalties for anyone failing to fulfil their legal responsibilities during emergencies will increase fivefold under the revised law – from 200,000 yuan (US$27,520) to a million yuan to deter “particularly serious” situations, according to the amendment.
The revision was prompted by China’s experience during Covid-19, an NPC spokesman said earlier.