2 hrs ago
China Hands Nepal MAZU Early-Warning System After Border Floods
China has given Nepal a computer system that helps predict dangerous weather and natural disasters.
The system is called MAZU.
It uses information from China’s Fengyun satellites and artificial intelligence.
It was adjusted to match Nepal’s mountains and land.
The handover came after deadly floods near the Tibet-Nepal border on 26 August.
Those floods killed more than 1,400 people, according to the article.
China had already used a trial version of MAZU to send Nepal daily weather and flood information.
China plans to send more equipment and teach Nepali experts how to use it.
A similar system has also been customized for Pakistan and may be used elsewhere in Central Asia.
China handed Nepal a customized MAZU weather and disaster-warning system on 22 September.
The system combines Fengyun satellite data, artificial intelligence, and physical forecasting models tailored to Nepal’s terrain.
The handover followed 26 August floods near the Tibet-Nepal border that killed over 1,400 people.
MAZU was trialed within a week of the floods and used to provide Nepal with daily monitoring bulletins.
China plans to deploy additional MAZU-Fengyun equipment, train Nepali personnel, and expand the system to Pakistan and other Central Asian countries.
- Who
- The China Meteorological Administration handed the system to the Nepal Meteorological Department.
- What
- China transferred the customized MAZU weather forecasting and multi-hazard warning system to Nepal.
- Where
- The handover occurred during the Second China-Central Asia Meteorological Cooperation Forum in Urumqi, Xinjiang; the system is intended for use in Nepal.
- When
- The handover took place on 22 September, about a month after the 26 August floods.
- Why
- The system is intended to improve weather monitoring, disaster-risk assessment, and early warnings, especially after deadly border floods.
Key facts
- System
- Multi-hazard Alert Zero-gap Universal, or MAZU
- Provider
- China Meteorological Administration
- Recipient
- Nepal Meteorological Department
- Flood date
- 26 August
- Flood impact
- Over 1,400 people were killed, according to the article
- Technology
- Fengyun satellite observations, artificial intelligence, and physical forecasting models
- Next steps
- China plans to deploy additional equipment and train Nepali meteorologists and engineers
Quotes
China Meteorological Administration
China’s national meteorological administration, which issued the press release about support to Nepal
“In the aftermath (of the floods), CMA (China Meteorological Administration) provided continuous meteorological support to Nepal, conducting joint video consultations and supplying forecasting and warning products.”
theprint.in
Sources
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