KATHMANDU, Aug 29: China has begun using advanced technology to intensify search and rescue operations in flood- and landslide-affected areas of Kerung in Tibet Autonomous Region, which lies to the north of Nepal border. Authorities have prepared three-dimensional (3D) images and maps of the affected areas to make rescue operations more effective.
According to Chinese authorities, search and rescue operations were intensified at the Kerung border port on Friday. Rescue workers have been deployed across the affected area in a race against time to search for possible survivors.
According to the regional emergency management department, five people had died and 558 were missing as of 3 pm Friday. They went missing after a landslide originating on the Nepal side on Wednesday morning reached the port area in Kerung County. Chinese authorities said 260 of those missing have been identified as foreign nationals.
According to China’s National Fire and Rescue Administration, 681 firefighters and rescue workers and 113 vehicles had been deployed in the remote mountainous border area by Friday morning. A total of 6,612 pieces of equipment and supplies required for rescue operations had also been sent to Kerung.
Lack of containers stall goods in Kerung
In the first phase, 141 rescue workers and a helicopter capable of operating at high altitudes reached the site on Thursday morning. Another 111 rescue workers were deployed to Kerung County on Thursday afternoon.
From Drones to Rubber Boats
To make the rescue operation more effective, firefighters and rescue personnel have formed three specialised teams. One team is conducting searches along waterways using rubber boats, while another is travelling on foot through mountainous terrain. The third team is conducting aerial surveillance using drones and delivering essential relief supplies.
The team deployed to the main disaster-hit area is using drones and binoculars to map, inspect and monitor the affected site, including a lake formed by debris from the landslide.
Thirteen experts from the Shanghai Fire Research Institute under the Ministry of Emergency Management have also reached the site. In addition, China Energy Engineering Corporation (China Energy) has deployed a 15-member team.
The team is using drones, portable satellite stations and mobile surveillance cameras to assess the condition of the affected area and surrounding roads. The technology is being used to collect data needed to manage the risks associated with the lake formed by the landslide.
Challenge of Clearing the Landslide-Dammed Lake
According to rescue workers, a lake has formed about three kilometres upstream of the Kerung border port after rocks and soil accumulated and blocked the flow of the river. Officials said the blockage can only be safely removed after identifying and managing the risks it poses.
Chinese rescue teams are therefore using 3D maps, drones, satellite communication systems and mobile surveillance equipment to assess the situation on the ground. Alongside rescue operations, China is pursuing a technology-driven response to minimise the risk of further damage from the landslide-dammed lake.
(Based on material from CCTV Plus.)
