Satellite technology, increasingly applied across various sectors in China in recent years, has provided crucial support for disaster relief and rescue operations in the recent dike breach at Dongting Lake in central China.
China currently operates more than 900 satellites in orbit, ranking second globally. Its advancements in satellite technology, particularly in communications, navigation, and remote sensing, have greatly benefited various industries and numerous households.
On July 5, floodwaters from torrential rain caused the breach at Dongting Lake in Huarong County, central China's Hunan Province, with at least 7,000 residents having been evacuated since the dike burst.
Throughout the entire relief process, from sealing the dike breach to managing drainage, satellite technology has been indispensable, offering timely and comprehensive images of the flooded areas. Unlike ground-based photos limited by space and perspective, optical remote sensing images from satellites provided a comprehensive view of the disaster zone and images of submerged buildings from various angles. This helped local authorities make decisions for effective relief operations.
"Remote sensing satellites have provided us real-time images of affected areas, especially large-scale aerial images, which have been crucial in supporting the sealing and repairing of the breach. Firstly, these wide-ranging images provide precise location details, helping us organize post-disaster construction work in a scientific way. Secondly, real-time updates on land and water traffic conditions during the sealing process have enabled us to adjust construction activities effectively, ensuring productive operations," said Zhang Xuanzhuang, director of the safety and environmental protection department at China Anneng Group First Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd.
Remote sensing satellite images have also provided information such as the speed of water flow and water levels in the flooded area, offering crucial details for emergency rescue operations.
The recent heavy rainfall also caused the most severe flooding on record in Hunan's Pingjiang County, leading to communications disruptions at over 1,400 base stations. In response, local authorities deployed satellite communications drones to provide emergency communications for over 120,000 residents across nine towns and communities. These drones integrated with the satellite network, ensuring essential communications services in the affected areas.
Besides supporting relief efforts through communications services, China's extensive satellite network also serves a wide range of sectors, including offshore fishing, geological exploration, and outdoor activities.
China's satellite technology enhances disaster relief efforts
Residents at a temporary shelter in South Korea are coming to terms with the shock of losing their homes in the worst wildfires in the country's history, with the deadly blazes which have been burning since late last month forcing tens of thousands of people to be evacuated.
The devastating fires -- which first erupted back on March 21 -- have claimed the lives of at least 30 people and injured dozens of others, while more than 3,500 houses and 30 national heritage sites have been damaged.
The flames have so far spread across more than 48,000 hectares of land, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.
Shell-shocked local people have been sharing the horrifying stories of how they became overwhelmed by the fast-spreading flames and had to rush from their homes.
Jo Soo-gap, a resident of the Yeongdeok County in the severely affected North Gyeongsang Province, told the China Global Television Network (CGTN) of the moment the flames approached.
"We didn't think it would come all the way to our area. That evening, while we were at home, the wind picked up. It felt stronger than a typhoon. I thought it was getting dangerous, so l was preparing to leave with my wife. Then suddenly a neighbor shouted, 'The fire's coming! Get out now!' So we just got in the car and drove toward Pohang,” he recalled.
"When we finally returned at dawn, we found our house had completely burned down and collapsed. Other homes, even if they were mostly destroyed, still had some parts of the frame left. But ours was a two-story villa-style home, and it had completely caved in – flattened right down to its foundation. There was nothing for us left to retrieve,” lamented Jo.
He expressed the hope that the government would help him and his family, as well as the many others affected, to rebuild their homes, while issuing a clear warning to others about the dangers posed by wildfires.
"We hope recovery efforts can proceed quickly, and that the government or local authorities can provide permanent housing so we can rebuild our lives. Fire prevention is no small matter, people should never carry any flammable objects when going into the mountains or fields. I want to emphasize this very clearly," he said.
Meanwhile, Kim Woo-seok, chairman of the Pohang Medical Association, explained how medics are handling the various problems brought by the wildfires, with a particular focus being placed on the welfare of those suffering from chronic diseases.
"The most pressing concern for us is people with chronic illnesses, such as those with high blood pressure or diabetes who need to constantly take their medication. Some patients did not have time to grab their medicines during the evacuation, and the drug withdrawal can cause sudden spikes in their blood pressure or blood sugar levels. So it's crucial that we monitor and stabilize their conditions as quickly as possible,” he said.
Kim stressed that the psychological trauma brought by the wildfires is the most pressing issue, as people slowly come to terms with the significant losses they have suffered.
"However, the biggest emotional shock comes from losing one's home or seeing a loved one fall ill. Those situations can cause severe emotional trauma. People can develop symptoms like panic attacks or depression as a result. These issues require proper counseling and treatment, as the emotional stress can also cause physical symptoms, such as back pain or joint pain. Those are the common cases we see," he said.
Shell-shocked South Korean evacuees lament loss of homes in deadly wildfires
