Hard and soft solutions necessary to tackle floods
Updated: 2016-05-18 08:06
By Shen Chi(China Daily)
|
||||||||
Second, it is also necessary to establish natural "sponges" by preserving more green areas to enhance the capability of cities to absorb water. For the same purpose, more rain-collection and direction channels should be installed in communities so as to make sure rainfall goes underground.
These flood-prevention measures can be combined with the ongoing process of smart city construction. By utilizing satellites, cameras, various sensors that collect information and telecommunication technology that can transmit information to a command center, the city authorities can build a smart pipe network that adjusts according to drainage requirements.
With the help of modern technology, it is now possible to do more precise weather forecasts for small areas within a short time range. Such forecasts should support an effective flood warning system.
Some soft measures are as important as the above-mentioned hard ones. For example, the authorities can raise the awareness of residents about how to stay safe in the event of a flood.
Various departments of the government also need to better coordinate with each other, so that when a flood does occur, they can react in a timely manner to prevent it from doing too much damage. The government can also encourage social organizations and volunteers to help in the event of a flood.
Floods will occur, but we can try and minimize the damage they cause to property and life. That requires not only technology and investment, but also coordination between government departments and various social forces.
The author is head of and a senior researcher at the Planning Institute of the China Center for Urban Development.
- Across China: Resettlement project helps reduce flood damage
- Heavy rains flood streets in Guangzhou
- Torrential rainfall triggers flash flood in China's Guangxi
- Fisherman washed away by flood
- SW China flood death toll hits 7
- 'Shocked' residents assess flood damage
- Officials urge safety awareness following flood deaths
- Rescuers ratchet up search effort in NW China flood
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |