Jiang, who had just concluded an on-site investigation of the May 1 fatal landslide in Chongqing, said at least 76 people were inside the mixed-use structure when 12,000 cubic meters of rock fell atop it from a slope above.

Jiang went to Chongqing with a special rescue team, officials from various departments of the State Council, including the ministries of the land and resources, civil affairs, and construction.

Although geological disasters are unavoidable, they can be predicted and prevented or minimized, Jiang said.

China needs to better monitor and handle geological disasters, especially in southwest China where there are frequent earthquakes and landslides. Such events cause enormous damage and loss of life because of overcrowding and a weak economy.

The ministry has been urging local governments to write annual prevention plans, but now Jiang said he will push for a special law to require it.

The Chongqing case might have been avoided if a law had demanded more stringent building standards for structures near slide-prone hillsides and if it had been clearer who is to manage and monitor potential problems.

Also, construction in dangerous regions should be subjected to special examinations before being approved, with continuous attention paid during and after construction to detect potential geological disasters in advance.

The identities of 72 of the 74 dead in the tragedy have been confirmed. Among them were 35 women and 37 men, and 19 of them under the age 19. The youngest was a 2-year-old. Most were farmers and peddlers.

Rescuers wrapped up their five-day search for survivors this weekend. They found at least two.

Liao Xuewen, deputy magistrate of Wulong County, said a stone wall would be built at the venue of the landslide to prevent further slides.

To avoid more landslides during this rainy season, Chongqing officials have issued an emergency notice enhancing geological surveys and investigations into the safety of precarious buildings.

(China Daily 05/07/2001)