High-tech systems safeguard lives and traffic during snowstorms

A sweeping wave of heavy snow, rain and freezing weather has hit central and eastern China, prompting the National Meteorological Center to issue yellow alerts for cold waves and freezing, alongside a blue blizzard alert.

To mitigate the impact, cutting-edge technologies are playing a pivotal role in emergency response, safeguarding people's livelihoods and traffic smoothness across affected regions such as southern Shaanxi, central and southern Henan, northern Anhui and northwestern Hubei.

Precise meteorological early warning serves as the first line of defense. An integrated monitoring network, combining high-precision numerical prediction models, satellite remote sensing and radar systems, enables authorities to accurately forecast the storm's scope, intensity and duration.

This data-driven insight allows for timely emergency deployment, helping communities and departments prepare ahead of the harshest conditions.

High-tech tools are also being deployed to ensure smooth and safe transportation. Intelligent snowplows equipped with automated navigation systems and ice-detection sensors operate around the clock on highways, while railway authorities use contact wire de-icing devices to prevent icing-related disruptions.

At airports, drone inspections and aircraft anti-icing systems help safeguard flight operations, reducing cancellations and delays. Together, these technologies significantly improve the efficiency of transport clearance and risk prevention.

Livelihood protection is also being strengthened through technological innovation. Smart power grids with self-healing capabilities can rapidly detect and repair faults caused by freezing conditions, ensuring a stable electricity supply for households and businesses.

Anti-freezing communication base stations, equipped with temperature control systems, maintain unobstructed communication in extreme cold. New energy heating equipment also provides reliable warmth for communities in affected areas.

Digital emergency disposal platforms streamline inter-departmental collaboration. Real-time data sharing, intelligent material scheduling systems and drone rescue teams enable rapid response to emergencies, such as stranded vehicles and personnel.

These tech-driven measures enhance the overall emergency response capacity, demonstrating China's "smart power" in tackling extreme weather.

(Cover via VCG)