China updates sandstorm alerts, lightning safety guidelines

China's top market regulator has issued two documents aimed at strengthening public resilience against meteorological disasters, according to an official statement released Wednesday.

The State Administration for Market Regulation said the document on sand and dust weather warning levels expands warning coverage to include blowing dust and floating dust, and establishes a four-level warning system. The update aims to address public concerns over air quality and health impacts, while increasing awareness of desertification control efforts.

It extends the lead time for warnings to 24 hours, in line with advances in forecasting technology, giving authorities more time to coordinate emergency responses.

It also clarifies criteria for determining areas affected by sand and dust, with the aim of preventing localized events from repeatedly triggering alerts.

A second document on guidelines for public behaviors in response to lightning disasters, focuses on risk identification and preventive measures for the public, the administration said.

It sets out general principles for responding to lightning disasters and provides guidance on preparedness before disasters, protection during events and rescue after incidents.

The guidelines are intended to support government departments, industry regulators, community organizations and other entities in carrying out public education, emergency drills and disaster relief efforts under unified and standardized procedures.