The local government of Guyuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, had to withdraw 145 buses from service because of a diesel shortage recently. Though the buses were pressed into service again after the supply of diesel was restored, the crisis highlighted the dangers that such emergencies create, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

Flood control measures in 1998, relief work after the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and emergency rescue operations after the Zhouqu mudslides this year have been rich experiences in combating emergency situations.

At the macro level, China's emergency mechanism is growing and improving rapidly. But we have to admit that in some cases, the mechanism does not work successfully. In recent years, heavy traffic jams on expressways and highways and the shortage of blood supplies have shown there are still areas that are deficient or not suited to combat emergencies.

Many local mechanisms need to be improved drastically to make them ready. We have been responding passively to some emergencies instead of taking active precautions. And because a of lack of vision, we have not been able to take timely decisions on some occasions.

Though it is important to strengthen the emergency-response mechanism, it is more important to improve implementation and the accountability system.