>Preliminary analysis of experts showed the coal mine flooding which has trapped 181 miners at two pits in east China`s Shandong Province since Friday is a natural disaster, Minister of Civil Affairs Li Xueju said at a press conference on Wednesday.

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>"China currently has no compensation system for people killed and injured in natural disasters," Li said.

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>But the coal mine flooding occurred at Huayuan Mining Co. Ltd. in the city of Xintai, and later at Minggong Mine was a case different from other natural disasters, because it took place in the course of production, he said.

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>The government and enterprises will provide compensation to the families of the coal mine flooding victims, he added.

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>Li revealed that the Ministry of Civil Affairs is considering to build a compensation system for the victims of natural disasters and is negotiating details with relevant departments.

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>Rescue workers are still working against time to search for the 181 miners trapped at two collieries in east China`s Shandong Province since Friday, despite dimming hopes of their survival five days after a swollen river flooded the pits.