Nepali meteorologist hails Chinese satellite data in border mudslide rescue

A senior Nepali meteorologist has hailed China's Fengyun weather satellites for their high-resolution, real-time data that helped guide the response to the devastating mudslide that hit the China-Nepal border.

The mudslide and flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche on the Nepalese side on Aug 26, tore through Nepal's Bhote Koshi river in a matter of minutes. The disaster has so far killed at least 1,374 people in Nepal, with thousands more still missing, according to local authorities.

Bibhuti Pokharel, a senior divisional meteorologist at the Nepal Meteorological Department, explained how data supplied by Chinese satellites kept rescue personnel on the ground updated on developing cloud formations, rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and destructive winds in the aftermath last month's disaster.

Pokharel said the satellites give the Nepali side the detail it needs to follow individual weather systems as they form.

"That's very helpful because we are getting from Fengyun satellites, we are getting information about what's actually happening, meteorological information about clouds, precipitation, wind and the system itself. And apart from that, they also have very fine resolution -- one-kilometer resolution -- which is very helpful for us," she said.

Within hours of the disaster, Chinese meteorological authorities activated a cross-border monitoring mechanism that coordinated the response on both sides of the border and issued early warnings for further geological hazards.

Pokharel said the effective disaster response had made the case for closer coordination between the two sides.

"After this incident happened, there seems very much [to be a] necessity for this kind of coordination. It started from just small measures, but I think it worked very nicely," said the meteorologist.

She added that greater trans-boundary data-sharing is the best way to strengthen early-warning systems particularly as global warming has exacerbated the impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable regions like Nepal.

Pokharel said Nepal has to stand ready and prepared to deal with more such disasters.

"We have seen that we are in a vulnerable situation which may be beyond our imagination. And this may be one of the cases, but there may be another also, so we have to move forward," she said.

Nepali meteorologist hails Chinese satellite data in border mudslide rescue

Daniel, a Russian vlogger residing in Zhejiang, has expressed his admiration for the high efficiency and smooth operation of the local public service in the eastern Chinese province.

Having lived in China for over a decade, Daniel has witnessed the progress China has made in public services. The adoption of convenient technologies has made life easier, and given foreigners a greater sense of belonging.

According to Daniel, even bureaucratic processes have become less daunting.

After receiving a new passport recently, he went to a local offline public service center to update his information on his Chinese social security card.

Staff there verified the spelling of his passport name, visa information and insurance records, then helped print a new card once everything was confirmed.

"This is my old card, the new one is already being made. Many foreigners in China can actually have access to these social security card services. You can use it to see a doctor, ride the subway and bus and even scan it at many cultural and tourism sites. It's very convenient," said the vlogger.

Many cities in China offer a similar swift response to public complaints, with citizens calling a hotline or reporting issues online. The government quickly responds and follows up to resolve them.

"The 12345 city services hotline here in Zhejiang actually offers English support on weekdays. So foreigners who don't speak Chinese can still easily get their point across. Honestly, little details like that give me a real sense of belonging here," Daniel said.

Russian vlogger impressed by efficient, convenient public service in Zhejiang