Natural Resources Team Uses Remote Sensing to Assess Disaster Risks in Gyirong

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources has continued remote sensing image interpretation and disaster assessment work in the Gyirong disaster area, providing scientific support for emergency response, risk prevention, secondary disaster monitoring, and rescue operations.

On the night of August 28, the Ministry of Natural Resources released comparative satellite images taken before and after the landslide and debris flow disaster in Gyirong, Xizang. The imagery provided important spatial data for evaluating the affected area, identifying geological hazards, and supporting rescue planning.

High-Resolution Remote Sensing Supports Disaster Assessment

On August 29, a working group from the Ministry of Natural Resources continued high-precision interpretation and review of remote sensing images in the Gyirong disaster area.

The objective was to accurately identify potential secondary geological hazards and use scientific and technological methods to support the safe and orderly progress of emergency rescue operations.

The interpretation work was based on remote sensing data collected between August 27 and August 28. By comparing multiple images, specialists conducted a systematic assessment of the areas affected by the disaster.

58 Landslide Risks and Two Debris Flow Risks Identified

According to the assessment results available at the time, 58 potential landslide hazards and two debris flow hazards had been identified within the affected area.

Technical teams analyzed the boundaries of the disaster, slope deformation characteristics, the scale of the affected area, and the relationship between geological hazards and the main river channel.

The analysis showed that many slopes along the river valley were composed of coarse-grained gravel and soil structures, with small and medium-sized loose deposits distributed throughout the area.

Risk of Secondary Landslides and Barrier Lakes Remains

Under conditions such as heavy rainfall, river erosion, and channel scouring, some unstable slopes and loose deposits may continue to fail.

These changes could block river channels and create temporary barrier lakes, which may pose additional risks to rescue workers, local communities, and downstream areas.

For this reason, continuous monitoring of slopes, river channels, and unstable geological structures remains an important part of disaster management in the region.

Remote Sensing Helps Restore the True Disaster Situation

Using high-resolution remote sensing images, the working group was able to analyze damage to buildings, roads, slopes, river valleys, and surrounding terrain.

Image comparison also helped correct some misunderstandings about the disaster area.

For example, remote sensing data showed that some buildings that appeared to be buried by debris flow were actually swept away as a whole by fast-moving floodwater.

This type of image-based verification helps emergency teams better understand the actual disaster process and allocate rescue resources more effectively.

Experts Conduct On-Site Hazard Verification

A senior engineer from the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the China Geological Survey said that the interpreted satellite images provided a comprehensive view of changes before and after the disaster.

The imagery helped identify secondary landslides, loose deposits, and high-risk glacier-related hazards across the affected area.

A team of 14 geological experts and technical specialists from the China Geological Survey was also deployed to the disaster area.

The team carried drones, surveying instruments, satellite communication equipment, and other technical tools to verify high-risk locations identified through remote sensing.

Dynamic Monitoring of Slopes, Channels and Glaciers

Field teams are conducting targeted inspections of key risk areas based on remote sensing results.

If new changes are detected in slopes, river channels, glaciers, or other unstable geological structures, the information will be reported to frontline rescue command teams as quickly as possible.

This allows emergency authorities to issue warnings, adjust rescue operations, and reduce the risk of secondary disasters threatening rescue personnel and local residents.

Integrated Space-Ground Monitoring Will Continue

The Ministry of Natural Resources plans to continue integrated space-ground dynamic monitoring in the Gyirong disaster area.

Monitoring will focus on high-elevation glaciers, unstable slopes, river channels, and other geological hazards that may change after the initial disaster.

The working group will continue updating hazard records and risk assessment information to provide ongoing safety support for rescue operations and infrastructure recovery.

Why Remote Sensing Matters in Mountain Disaster Response

Remote sensing technology is especially important in mountainous disaster areas where roads may be blocked, terrain is difficult to access, and large sections of the affected region cannot be inspected quickly from the ground.

Satellite imagery, drones, surveying equipment, and digital geological analysis can help authorities identify hazards faster, monitor changes over a wider area, and improve emergency decision-making.

For transportation and logistics operations in mountain regions, this type of monitoring can also provide important information about road safety, slope stability, bridge conditions, and route accessibility.

Impact on Rescue and Transportation Operations

Geological hazards can directly affect the movement of rescue vehicles, engineering machinery, emergency supplies, and heavy-duty trucks.

Unstable slopes, blocked roads, damaged river crossings, and secondary debris flows can significantly increase transportation risks.

Reliable road assessment and real-time hazard monitoring are therefore essential before large commercial vehicles, construction equipment, or rescue fleets enter affected mountain areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What technology is being used to assess the Gyirong disaster area?

Authorities are using high-resolution satellite remote sensing, drones, surveying equipment, satellite communication systems, and field geological inspections.

How many geological hazards were identified?

At the time of the assessment, specialists had identified 58 potential landslide hazards and two debris flow hazards in the disaster area.

Why are secondary disasters still a concern?

Heavy rainfall, river erosion, loose deposits, unstable slopes, and glacier-related changes may trigger additional landslides, debris flows, or temporary barrier lakes.

How does remote sensing help rescue operations?

Remote sensing helps authorities identify damaged areas, monitor unstable terrain, assess blocked transport routes, and provide early warnings for dangerous geological changes.

Will monitoring continue after the initial rescue phase?

Yes. Authorities plan to continue integrated space-ground monitoring of glaciers, slopes, river channels, and other high-risk geological areas.

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