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How to track the truth about landslides through satellite images? What role does technology play in this incident?
On July 30, 2024, a series of deadly landslides occurred in Wayanad, Kerala, India, killing 254 people, injured 397 and missing 118 people, making it one of the worst disasters in the region's history.The main reason for the landslide is continuous heavy rainstorms, which causes the hillside to collapse and destroy the villages below.In addition to natural factors, human factors such as excessive deforestation, seismic sensitivity, improper construction and global warming are also considered one of the causes of this disaster.The analysis of satellite images provides important scientific and technological support for tracking the truth of landslides and helps rescue work become more efficient.
"Satellite images can help us observe the situation in the affected areas from high altitudes to obtain detailed terrain changes and real-time damage assessments."
Accident passing
In the days before the disaster, the Western Ghats in the Vayanda District experienced more than 500 mm of rain, which saturated the ground soil and the solid slope became fragile.Authorities warned local residents on July 29, asking them to evacuate.However, many residents, especially in the Chooralmala area, chose to stay at home because they were not designated as a high-risk area.02:17 IST, a landslide raided Punjirimattom and Mundakkai, followed by a collapse that diverted the Iruvanjippuzha.As the collapse gradually intensified, hundreds of people lost their lives.
"This landslide not only caused casualties, but also destroyed large areas of farmland and infrastructure, causing a heavy blow to the local economy."
The role of technology
After the disaster, the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) used high-resolution satellite images to quickly evaluate the affected areas.According to a report released on August 1, about 86,000 square meters of land slipped down from the mountain, and this information is crucial to planning for rescue activities.Continuous updates of satellite images have enabled drones and rescue vehicles to be quickly directed to the most affected areas.
"We can use instant satellite images to promptly understand which areas still have potential collapse risks, which plays an important guiding role in rescue operations."
The launch of rescue operations
After the landslide, the local government and the central government quickly launched a rescue mechanism and mobilized multiple troops, including the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Team, to search and rescue.The first week of rescue operations were reportedly focused on mud-crack areas, using heavy machinery and advanced radar detection technology to find survivors who may be buried.However, due to continuous rainfall, the rescue work faces many difficulties.
Second development and reflection
The rescue operation continued in the following weeks, and the bodies of some missing people were recovered one after another.The government finally formed an expert team to study the causes of landslides and future prevention measures. This series of scientific and technological support measures not only improves the efficiency of rescue, but also provides valuable information for the response to similar incidents in the future.
"Technology not only demonstrates its importance in this incident, but also allows us to reflect on how to better use technology to protect people's lives and property."
This tragedy of the landslide is heartbreaking and reminds us to pay more attention to the prediction and response measures for extreme weather events.As the impact of climate change continues to intensify, can we use technology more effectively to prevent and respond to future disasters?
