China says it is gearing up to reduce the risk of geological disasters brought by the deadly earthquake that happened in the southwestern province of Sichuan last week.

Yun Xiaosu is Deputy Minister of the Land and Resources Ministry.

"This earthquake has affected such a wide range of areas that it has induced great possibilities for geological disasters. We will mobilize all our resources and take all possible measures to investigate the potential dangers, and will also make efforts to keep the local people away from these dangers."

Yun Xiaosu says the ministry has already sent specialists and professional technicians to Sichuan to inspect the local geology. They specially focus on the areas where local residents and quake-survivors still live.

"During the investigation, specialists will issue emergency plans or evacuate the locals if serious geological problems are detected, including ones that will endanger the safety of the locals, the army, schools and hospitals, roads and railways, and other big projects."

Yun Xiaosu adds the ministry has been making efforts to draw lessons from the disaster, as well as to search for proper locations to rebuild houses.

In addition, he says it is also very important to popularize scientific knowledge among the ordinary people about how to escape from geological disasters.

The official notes millions of such manuals have been handed out for the local people.