New tactics and tech essential weapons in 'war' against floods

Advanced technologies

Various intelligent flood-fighting methods are being widely used in this year's battle, providing a scientific basis for efficient dispatch and disposal.

Cutting-edge technologies such as big data and AI are making China's flood prevention smarter, as they are applied to weather forecasts, flood monitoring and warning.

In previous rainy seasons, administrators could only judge the situation by experience, said Xu Peng, leader of the hydrological station in Hepu town, Xingan county, Jiangxi province. "But now we can rely on new technology to make judgements and carry out flood control work more precisely."

Water level, flow and current status of dikes are all on display in a monitoring room in Xingan county, Ji'an city, Jiangxi province. The intelligent inspection system of embankments displays real-time video images along the dike.

"This platform automatically records changes of the waters through GPS," supervisor Xu Ganming said. "Once there are abnormalities, the administrator will upload the picture with text description in time." He added that since July, the local intelligent patrol system has sent out over 60 early warning messages, which has played an important role in flood control.

GPS and radar meters, which can automatically monitor changes in water level and flow velocity, have been put into use to ensure efficient flood mitigation. Also, under the guidance of infrared drones, local rescue workers successfully rescued six people trapped by floodwaters in Mabu town of Ji'an city on July 9.