As the world marks International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction under the theme "Fund Resilience, Not Disasters," the Chinese mainland is doubling down on science and technology to strengthen disaster prevention and response.
Natural disasters remain one of the biggest threats to human safety and sustainable growth. In response, the Chinese mainland is fast-tracking a modernized emergency governance framework. The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) sets ambitious goals: by 2035, build an intelligent, coordinated system that blends digital tools, data-driven decisions, and public participation.
At a late-September press conference, the Ministry of Emergency Management revealed major strides in reform and innovation. A highlight: "Diting," the world's first seismic wave model with over 100 million parameters, elevates earthquake simulation and early warning to a new level.
Meanwhile, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) unveiled the planet's largest integrated meteorological observation network, spanning land, sea, air, and space. This system includes nine Fengyun satellites, 842 weather radars, and more than 90,000 ground stations.
With the independent BeiDou navigation system ending the GPS monopoly in meteorological sounding, the CMA says its radar network now covers over 90% of densely populated zones and detects more than 80% of severe weather events—from heavy rain and hail to tornadoes and thunderstorms.
Bi Baogui, deputy head of the CMA, points out that satellites and radars form the core of this network, supported by high-altitude sensors, remote-sensing tools, greenhouse gas monitors, and 35 small commercial meteorological satellites for extra data.
Beyond its borders, the Chinese mainland is sharing its know-how. Fengyun satellite data are available to dozens of countries and regions, aiding disaster monitoring across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. International cooperation programs are helping partners build climate resilience through cutting-edge tech.
From advanced seismic modeling to space-based observation, the Chinese mainland's technological jump is safeguarding lives at home and advancing a global push for a safer, more resilient planet.
Reference(s):
China strengthens disaster prevention and mitigation with technology
cgtn.com
