Drone and Crane Come to the Rescue Amid China's Extreme Weather Crisis

China and other Asia Pacific nations facing monsoonal floods and scorching temperatures.
Flooding in Chongqing causes 15 deaths, with four still missing.
Rescuers in Henan province save individuals from car roof using drone and crane

China, along with several other Asia Pacific nations, is facing the impact of monsoonal floods and scorching temperatures, marking the start of what experts predict to be a season of prolonged extreme weather globally.

State-run media reports that in the city of Chongqing, located in southwestern China, flooding has resulted in the loss of 15 lives, with four individuals still missing, according to authorities.

China experienced severe flooding as evident in news footage showing rescuers in Henan province freeing two individuals trapped on the roof of a car in a rapidly flowing river.

Employing innovative measures, a drone delivered life jackets to them, and they were ultimately lifted to safety using a crane. The situation remains concerning as the World Meteorological Organization reported the formation of El Niño, a climate pattern that raises ocean surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean, for the first time in seven years.

This combined with human-caused global warming is anticipated to contribute to increased heatwaves and disruptive weather worldwide during the latter half of this year.

The Asia Pacific region is currently experiencing exceptionally intense weather during the summer season. China, in particular, has been impacted, with around 20 cities facing flooding and extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prior to these recent events, the region had already been dealing with heavy floods and an early heatwave, placing strain on agriculture and daily life.

The Chinese authorities have reported that 11 out of the country’s 31 provincial governments are preparing for further heavy rains in the coming three days. Local news reports and forecasts suggest that over 20,000 people have already been displaced due to the flooding that started over the weekend.

Video footage captured this week in Chongqing, a municipality in southwestern China, depicted a portion of a multi-story building collapsing into a nearby river due to the powerful flow of fast-moving currents.

Apart from China, other countries also experienced significant damages due to heavy flooding. In southwestern Japan, homes were inundated and at least one fatality was reported as a result of heavy rainfall over the weekend. As of Wednesday, several prefectures in Japan remained under storm surge warnings or advisories.

Similarly, in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, officials revealed that Monday’s heavy rainfall, measuring approximately six inches, was the highest recorded in three years.

Drone and Crane Come to the Rescue Amid China’s Extreme Weather Crisis

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