China Allocates $75 Million for Disaster Relief as Technology Aids Rescue Efforts
Funds Deployed to Support Flood, Geological Disaster, and Forest Fire Responses
The Chinese mainland is mobilizing significant resources to combat a series of natural disasters affecting multiple regions. On Saturday, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management jointly allocated 540 million yuan (approximately $75.75 million) to support local governments in disaster relief efforts related to floods, geological disasters, and forest fires.
Of the total funds, 503 million yuan will assist nine provincial-level regions, including Hunan, Anhui, and Jiangxi, in responding to floods and geological disasters. This allocation will support search and rescue operations, relocation of affected residents, and other critical relief activities. An additional 37 million yuan is designated for forest fire responses in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, according to the Ministry of Finance.
High-Tech Solutions Enhance Rescue Operations
China’s growing technology sector is playing a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue efforts. Emergency response authorities have deployed drones, helicopters, and satellites to support operations in affected areas.
Drones are being utilized to relay network signals, maintaining crucial communication channels where traditional infrastructure may be compromised. Satellite imaging technology is providing real-time mapping of flood zones, enabling decision-makers to analyze the situation swiftly and coordinate rescue plans effectively.
Ensuring Supply of Essential Goods
The Ministry of Commerce is taking proactive measures to ensure that essential goods remain accessible to residents in the disaster-stricken regions. The ministry has been closely monitoring the prices and availability of vital commodities in Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, Anhui, and Hunan provinces.
In areas experiencing severe flooding, 669 key enterprises have activated their emergency response plans. Many of these companies have increased their stockpiles by 10 to 30 percent above normal levels. Local commerce authorities have organized the transportation of a total of 28,000 tons of essential goods—including rice, cooking oil, meat, vegetables, instant food, and mineral water—to the most severely affected areas.
Weather Forecast Predicts Continued Rainstorms
The National Meteorological Center on Saturday issued a blue alert for rainstorms, signaling that heavy downpours are expected to continue in parts of the country. From Saturday morning to 8 a.m. Sunday, heavy rains are forecast to hit some regions in northeast, northwest, central, east, and southwest China, including Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Anhui, and Henan provinces.
Some areas may experience intense rainfall, with maximum hourly precipitation exceeding 60 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales. The meteorological center advises residents and authorities in these regions to remain vigilant and prepared for potential emergencies.
China utilizes a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow, and blue.
Reference(s):
Natural disasters in China: Ministries allocate $75m for relief work
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