Comprehensive nature makes study invaluable

The most valuable part of the First National Census on the Risk of Natural Disasters is its comprehensive nature, which is aimed at responding to many types of disaster by using data collated from various industries, said a senior official who led the implementation of the survey.

"Investigation and assessment based on just a single disaster or industry would make it impossible for us to fully assess disaster risks nationwide," said Yuan Yi, deputy executive leader of the census task force at the State Council, China's Cabinet.

For example, if the meteorological authorities are aiming to issue warnings and anticipate the cost of heavy rain, water volume shouldn't be the only factor under consideration.