Asia-Pacific Community: Chinese meteorological technology supports post-mudslide rescue efforts in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Following the catastrophic mudslide that struck Nepal's border regions, Chinese meteorological authorities swiftly established contact with their Nepali counterparts, sharing monitoring information and conducting joint consultations.

During a video consultation on weather conditions following the mudslide, Nepali experts requested precipitation and observation data, as well as satellite monitoring products, from the Chinese side.

China has since stepped up meteorological support for Nepal, providing satellite data and meteorological services to assist cross-border disaster monitoring and emergency response, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).

Through MAZU, China's AI-powered meteorological early-warning solution, the CMA has provided Nepal with a range of meteorological products, including multi-source satellite data and products from the Fengyun-3 and Fengyun-4 meteorological satellite series.

China's National Satellite Meteorological Center has continued to monitor precipitation and weather changes in the disaster-affected areas. High-resolution satellite data have also been used to track upstream ice-rock avalanche areas and river channels, providing support for disaster assessment, rescue operations and meteorological services.

In response to Nepal's needs, the CMA has also developed customized services for the country and connected them with China's Fengyun meteorological satellite products in real time.

Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology recently expressed appreciation for the timely support provided by the China Meteorological Administration during the disaster.

"The support and rapid response provided by the Chinese side following the disaster were very important and highly appreciable," said Bikash Nepal, a senior divisional meteorologist with the department.

He said support from China has strengthened Nepal's capacity for monitoring meteorological disasters and providing early warnings.

Jagdishor Panday, press advisor to Nepal's foreign minister, said China has extensive experience and advanced technologies in disaster management and emergency response, adding that timely information sharing and technical cooperation are of great significance to disaster response.

"Nepal deeply appreciates the solidarity and support demonstrated by China following this devastating disaster," Panday said. "Effective communication and coordination between Nepal and China are particularly important."

"Weather knows no borders," Nepal said, expressing hope for further sharing of meteorological observations as well as satellite and radar information with China, and for stronger cooperation in the application of early-warning systems to enhance Nepal's capacity to monitor, forecast and issue warnings for severe weather.