The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Fengnan district of Tangshan, Hebei province on July 28 at 3.42 a.m. Beijing time and 23 seconds later, Tangshan was reduced to rubble and led to a direct economic loss of 3 billion yuan or more.

On the 40th anniversary of the Tangshan earthquake, as the nation's independent think tank, the research team at ANBOUND Consulting is of the view that the nation should reflect on earthquake prediction and early warning system.

Earthquakes and other natural disasters are inevitable; however, the earthquake prediction and early warning system can be improved through concerted efforts and thereby saving precious lives.

China has seen tremendous economic development and the overall national strength and technological level have improved greatly over the year.

There should also be a corresponding improvement in terms of the study on natural disasters, early warning system, disaster prevention, reduction and relied capabilities.

Judging from this year’s massive flood, there are still rooms for improvements.