China unveils reconstruction plan for SW quake zone

BEIJING -- China on Sunday unveiled a three-year reconstruction plan for a quake zone in southwest Yunnan, promising to improve living conditions and economic development.

The reconstruction plan was adopted at an executive meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, on Oct. 24, two months after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Ludian county on Aug 3.

The earthquake killed more than 600 people and destroyed about 80,000 homes.

The plan aims to address housing, public management, infrastructure, the natural environment and industry affected by the natural disaster with more capital support and less taxes and dues.

The top priority will be people's livelihoods, according to the plan.

The Yunnan provincial government will shoulder major responsibility in the reconstruction work, with assistance from the central government, according to the plan.

Also on Sunday, the State Council issued policy guidelines to support reconstruction work in the Ludian quake zone.

The guidelines proposed nine support measures, including reconstruction funds, credit support, employment assistance, material supplies and poverty relief.