Amid this year’s intense flood season, Chinese authorities have pledged to strengthen the protection of the nation’s rich cultural heritage from the ravages of natural disasters. The National Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Monday that measures will be intensified to safeguard immovable cultural relics and historic sites, including ancient buildings, ruins, tombs, grottoes, as well as historic cities, blocks, and villages identified as cultural heritage.
According to an official circular, there will be comprehensive inspections to identify potential safety risks to these invaluable cultural assets. The focus is on mitigating damage from floods by enhancing disaster prevention, conducting timely rescue and relief efforts, and implementing facility renovations to improve disaster resilience.
“Effective rescue and relief work should be done promptly to minimize the damage caused by flood disasters,” the circular stated, emphasizing the urgency of protecting cultural sites that are vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Heavy rainfall has been wreaking havoc across wide swathes of the Chinese mainland since the flood season began, triggering floods and causing severe casualties and losses. Protecting cultural heritage during such times is not only about preserving history but also about maintaining the cultural identity and continuity of the affected communities.
An illustrative example is the century-old historical building in Binjiang Park, Jinghu District, Wuhu City, in east China’s Anhui Province. On July 6, 2024, floodwaters were effectively blocked to protect this heritage site, showcasing the proactive measures being taken to safeguard cultural relics amid natural disasters.
The government’s commitment to cultural preservation highlights the importance placed on heritage in the face of modern challenges. By reinforcing protections and improving disaster response mechanisms, China aims to ensure that its rich cultural legacy endures for future generations.
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China strengthens protection of cultural heritage amid flood season
cgtn.com
