Lessons from the casualties caused by the Changning Ms 6.0 earthquake in China

This paper summarizes the Ms 6.0 earthquake disaster that occurred in Changning, Sichuan Province, China, on 17 June 2019. Additionally, a description of the disaster emergency response on both governmental and non-governmental levels is provided. As determined by on-site investigation and analysis, the direct causes of the earthquake casualties are summarized. Among them, 66% of the casualties can be attributed to the lack of anti-seismic measures, 25% to improperly avoiding danger during the earthquake, 6% to earthquake-induced geological disasters, and 3% to pre-existing diseases exacerbated by the earthquake. Responding to the causes of these four casualty types, we summarize 4 lessons: 1) build housing in accordance with earthquake-resistant requirements, 2) propagandize common sense about avoiding danger during earthquakes to public, 3) investigate and evaluate potential geological disasters in the stricken area and try to prevent and mitigate them, and 4) establish cooperation with health organizations, focusing on people who are older or have serious illnesses and give them help.