Japan learns lessons from disasters

NIIGATA, Japan - Ever since Japan was hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake on Jan 17, 1995, causing 6,434 deaths and destroying 10,496 homes, the country has been working hard to mobilize local residents to protect their own communities.

Each city, county and village is devoted to building community disaster prevention organizations, Japanese disaster experts told Chinese reporters during their visit to earthquake-prone Niigata Prefecture on Oct 21.

The organizations provide education on safety and evacuation training to local residents, and offer immediate help to victims during a disaster.