China's rural areas are totally exposed to the danger of disasters such as fires, flooding and earthquakes, and its more than 600 cities are also in urgent need of improving disaster relief capabilities, an official said Saturday.

Shan Chunchang, chairman of the Emergency Management Expert Group under China's State Council, talks to reporters at the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress in Beijing, March 5, 2011. [Photo by Zhang Jiawei/chinadaily.com.cn]

Shan Chunchang, chairman of the Emergency Management Expert Group under China's State Council, who was at the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress in Beijing, said that a long road still lies ahead of the country in improving emergency responses.

Better coordination and cooperation among different government departments and international organizations need to be enhanced, Shan said, adding that modern technology should be deployed in responding to emergencies.

He also expressed his concern about the public's lack of self-protection awareness.

"Many people are not prepared for any unexpected eventualities and lack self-protection capabilities, which are the cause of many casualties," Shan said.

"The task of improving the public's preparation for eventualities and self-protection awareness is urgent."

In response to mine accidents, which contribute most to disaster deaths in China, Shan said the country is now planning to establish seven State-level rescue bases.

He didn't say where the bases will be built, but according to media reports, the locations will most likely be Datong in Shanxi, Kailuan in Hebei, Hegang in Heilongjiang, Huinan in Anhui, Pingdingshan in Henan, Furong in Sichuan and Jingyuan in Gansu.