A month after the May 12 earthquake struck Sichuan province, people are pondering what the catastrophe has brought to the nation. How shall people cherish life and respond to natural disasters more efficiently?

Let's take a look at what the media have to say.

Xinhuanet carries an opinion piece saying awareness of disaster prevention has been greatly enhanced. Many schools in other provinces and cities around the country are giving students classes about how to escape disaster. In addition, we have learned from the disaster relief operation that it is vital to keep emergency telecommunication available. For instance, we saw the advantages of satellite communication in the rescue efforts.

The article in Xinhuanet goes on to say that man cannot decide when natural disasters will happen, but we have the final say on how we react to catastrophe. The government has set rebuilding standards for public facilities, including schools and hospitals, in the reconstruction draft plan for the quake-hit region. Many cities are setting up emergency public shelters in open-air areas like large parks, squares and playgrounds, to facilitate the settling of victims should an unexpected disaster hit.

A commentary on the website, People.com, says an earthquake could not bring about fundamental change in the country. However, some things must be different after the devastating quake. The public gained great understanding about life, thus feeling much more for other's pain and hardship.