China's satellite tech supports mudslide rescue in Gyirong

Portable automatic weather stations have been set up in the rescue zone at mudslide-hit Gyirong Port, using satellite remote sensing to help assess the disaster, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said Saturday.

Three stations are now providing targeted weather support for road restoration, search and rescue, drone flights and barrier lake surveys in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Showers are forecast for Saturday evening over Gyirong Port and the barrier lake, turning into moderate rain at night, with lighter rain expected on Sunday and Monday.

Satellite remote sensing is also being used to assess damage after the mudslide – triggered when part of a glacier broke off on the Nepalese side of the border, then plunged down onto Gyirong Port in just seven minutes on August 26, leaving a trail of destruction. 

Meteorological teams are using satellite data to monitor damage at the port, the collapsed mass, the landslide path and the barrier lake, sending spatial information to the on-site command and rescue base. 

Next steps will involve more refined weather monitoring and early warning, with Fengyun satellites, weather radar and multi-source data being used to assess rainfall intensity, location and duration for rescue operations.

Meteorological authorities will also continue to provide rolling forecasts and risk warnings for key rescue areas, coordinating with relevant departments to keep crews safe during their critical work.

(With input from Xinhua)