Introduction to China’s Earthquake Emergency Response System

Following the M_S6.4 earthquake that occurred on May 21, 2021 in Yangbi, Yunnan, China, the earthquake emergency response system (EERS) responded immediately. The real-time software delivered many seismic parameters that provided a preliminary assessment of the earthquake. The 24-hour on-duty staff and scientific researchers revised these parameters and produced more detailed reports to understand the cause of the earthquake and the potential damage, which provided valuable information for emergency rescue operations and earthquake situation assessment. Emergency personnel were dispatched immediately to the earthquake site to observe the aftershocks, investigate the damage, and guide and assist in the relief efforts. This paper describes the EERS response to the Yangbi earthquake to demonstrate the characteristics of the system and discuss the potential for further improvement.