“It is better to prepare for ten potential threats and find nine of them to be unnecessary, rather than risking failure in one of them; it is better to hear complaints beforehand than to hear cries afterward; it is better to believe that something will happen than to believe that it will not; it is better to believe that a situation is serious than to believe it is trivial.” More than two decades ago, Xi Jinping, then the Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee, in the face of frequent typhoons and floods, conducted in-depth research and practical experiences, and clearly proposed the important concept of the “four things to be prepared for.” He emphasized the importance of establishing a bottom-line and extreme-condition thinking, promoting a significant shift from “passive disaster response” to “active disaster prevention and avoidance,” and continuously strengthening the system for flood and typhoon prevention, as well as the solid bastions for grassroots disaster prevention and mitigation.

The important concept of the “Four Preferences” embodies a consistent commitment to serving the people, contains governance wisdom that balances development and security, and guides a pragmatic and robust approach to grassroots governance. It provides a scientific guide and fundamental principles for effectively carrying out tasks such as flood prevention, flood control, emergency response, and disaster relief. Currently, China is entering the critical “Seven Down, Eight Up” flood prevention period, during which the flood situation is severe and complex, and disaster prevention and response efforts are arduous and demanding. We should deeply understand and actively implement the important concept of the “Four Preferences” proposed by President Xi Jinping, uphold the initial commitment to serving the people, strengthen bottom-line thinking, and cultivate a pragmatic style of work, thus effectively safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

Whether there are natural disasters or not, humans possess the power to turn the tide. In the face of natural disasters and risk challenges, from combating typhoons and floods to responding to emergencies, from evacuating the public, conducting rescue operations, to post-disaster reconstruction and material provision, our Party has always prioritized the safety and health of the people. It is advisable to prepare ahead of time rather than waiting until desperation sets in. Natural disasters are sudden and difficult to foresee. Only by taking a worst-case scenario approach, fully estimating difficulties, deeply considering risks, and thoroughly preparing countermeasures, while adhering to upstream prevention, shifting the focus forward, and maintaining constant vigilance, can we firmly safeguard the safety line and minimize losses to the greatest extent possible.

In the face of disasters, recklessness and complacency are the greatest enemies. Nature never plays by the rules. Natural disasters show no sympathy for those who take risks; even if there have been no incidents in the past during the “Nine Defenses,” it does not mean that one can be carefree in the tenth instance. As someone has said, “Complacency and recklessness are the greatest enemies of disaster prevention; a lack of responsibility is the most insidious breach; cognitive biases are the most dangerous blind spots.” The so-called tranquility of years gone by never stems from the favor of the weather, but rather from proactive foresight, meticulous planning, and collective determination.

Wherever the risks exist, the bottom line must be safeguarded; wherever difficulties arise, work must be pursued accordingly. According to meteorological department forecasts, during this year’s main rainy season, China will continue to experience an increased number of extreme weather and climate events, with both drought and flooding occurring simultaneously. Risks will intersect and compound, resulting in a severe and complex situation. This requires us to overcome complacency and the mindset of relying on luck, to firmly grasp the important concept of “the four options are preferable,” to closely monitor and enforce our responsibilities in disaster prevention and response, to thoroughly investigate every potential hazard, to implement every contingency plan more effectively, and to strengthen every line of defense to be fully prepared for any possible scenarios.

People come first, and life is paramount. Meeting the urgent needs of the people and resolving their difficulties is a solemn responsibility entrusted by the Party Central Committee and President Xi Jinping, a sincere aspiration of the people, and an inescapable duty of our military. Over the past few days, numerous PLA and armed police officers, as well as militia members, have responded to orders without hesitation, disregarding fatigue, and fought continuously. “Skilled warriors prevent chaos before it occurs and prepare for emergencies before they arise.” All levels should actively implement the important concept of “the four things that can be done at any cost,” further strengthen the sense of purpose and bottom-line thinking. Based on weather forecasts and changes in flood conditions, actively prepare for various aspects such as personnel, materials, and equipment. Keep a close eye on key flood-control areas and implement and refine flood-control measures meticulously. Prioritize prevention, continuously improve contingency plans with a sense of responsibility akin to “never feeling at ease,” ensuring prompt mobilization, scientific response, and efficient rescue work. Do not fail in this trust or betray this mission, and deliver a satisfactory response to the Party and the people. (Looking into the New Era)