From Chinese Press

Lesson from Chile

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-18 08:36

Thirty-three trapped miners in Chile were lifted to safety after 69 tense and suspenseful days. The mine disaster has taught us a lesson in safety and rescue and, hence, should not be seen as a mere drama, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

A well-equipped emergency network greatly increases people's chances of survival in case of a mine accident. It can help provide food and medicine to trapped miners and thus give rescue teams more time to save lives.

Mines, especially coal mines, across the world should have in place such networks, including rescue capsules like the ones used in Chile, in place. But China has only started discussing and studying these methods.

What is worth noting is that all the 33 people trapped in the Chilean mine had received professional survival training before they went down to the pits.

That's why they didn't panic after being trapped and succeeded in establishing contact with the people on the surface.

In contrast, many miners in China never receive basic safety training.

China's rescue record used to be good. But today, China lags behind many countries in rescue operations. Proper safety supervision and policy implementation depends on whether the final result is to ensure that every miner goes back home safe and sound. It will draw international attention every time any mine rescue takes place in a country.

(China Daily 10/18/2010 page9)