China to put out quake data on social networks

Beijing, May 24 (IANS) Chinese authorities Thursday suggested they may use social networking websites to enhance awareness on earthquake prevention and disaster reduction.

The popularity of microblogging sites should be utilised to educate the people about disaster mitigation, said Chen Jianmin, director of the China Earthquake Administration.

China has around 500 million internet users. Sina Weibo, the country's most popular microblogging site, has 324 million registered users, China Daily reported.

Using social media to share information regarding natural disasters will expedite the publicizing process, he said.

Drills should be conducted nationwide to improve people's ability to handle earthquakes and other natural disasters, he said.