BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- 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 Wednesdays.

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

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.

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

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.

Rescue workers are still working against time to search for the181 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.