Summary of Key Points
During the flood disaster in Guangxi, a combination of government, military, and civilian efforts, along with domestically produced high-tech equipment (such as drones and amphibious bridges), enabled efficient rescue operations. This approach overcame challenges like blocked roads and lost communication connections. Compared to the physical labor-intensive efforts during the 1998 flood control efforts, technology has become the key to disaster relief today, reflecting the advancement of China's industrial and technological capabilities. Meanwhile, the spirit of mutual support and dedication to the nation remains unchanged.
1. High-Tech Equipment Solves Two Major Problems in Flood Disasters: Blocked Roads? Lost Communication? There’s Always a Solution!
The most frustrating issues during floods are blocked roads and interrupted communication—people cannot escape, supplies cannot be delivered, and distress signals cannot be sent out. This time, technology was used to break these barriers:
- Blocked Roads? Use Aerial Routes: When land routes were flooded, rescue personnel deployed DJI heavy-duty drones to transport sandbags and supplies to the riverbanks, delivering over a thousand tons in total. In extreme cases, drones were even used in conjunction with boats to rescue critically ill villagers from 2-meter-deep water (although drones are usually not designed for carrying people).
- Lost Communication? Install Aerial Signal Towers: Some affected areas in Hengzhou became information islands, so the Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched Yilong drones to act as temporary communication towers, instantly restoring mobile phone signals and allowing trapped individuals to call for help and rescue teams to coordinate operations.
2. Drones: The Versatile Tools in Flood Relief
The role of drones exceeded expectations; they truly proved to be multi-functional:
- Supply Delivery: Heavy-duty drones like the DJI FC100 accurately delivered sandbags and medical supplies to flooded areas, eliminating the need for people to carry them through water.
- Rescue Operations: The Gongyang Rescue Team used heavy-duty drones in conjunction with boats to rescue patients who could not be reached by land.
- Search and Rescue: Infrared-enabled drones helped locate trapped individuals, even at night or in dense forests, and they also communicated with people from the air to guide their evacuation.
- Communication Support: Yilong drones functioned as mobile signal bases, solving the problem of lost internet connections. Netizens commented that “technology serving humanity” is finally a reality.
3. Amphibious Bridges: The “Rescue Aircraft Carriers” on Water
In areas with up to 7 meters of floodwater, over 6,000 students were trapped in schools. The Chinese Aneng Rescue Team deployed amphibious bridges—these structures could be set up quickly (in just over ten minutes) to create a 60-meter-long, 8-meter-wide floating bridge capable of carrying more than 500 people at a time. Their efficiency was unmatched by even dozens of rescue boats, earning them the nickname “rescue aircraft carriers on water.” The students were all safely evacuated.
4. Civilian and Corporate Support: Behind Technology Lies Warm Humanitarian Efforts
In addition to official resources, civilians and businesses also played a crucial role:
- Volunteer Drone Pilots: Pilots from Guangxi and surrounding areas donated their drones to help, transporting supplies and searching for people for free.
- Corporate Contributions: Companies provided data support from their drones, made donations, and offered specialized services (such as communication and logistics). These efforts added a human touch to the technological relief efforts.
5. From a “Human Wall” to a “Steel Ark”: The Transformation Reflects China’s Hard Power
In 1998, flood control relied on hundreds of thousands of soldiers carrying sandbags and sinking ships to block waterways. In 2024 (the year may be a typo in the original text; likely 2026), drones and amphibious bridges were used as the main tools. This change is not sudden but results from decades of industrial development and technological advancement, leading to a significant improvement in emergency response capabilities.
- The Change in Equipment: From manual labor to advanced technology.
- The Unchanged Commitment: Whether it’s the soldiers of 1998 or the rescuers and volunteers today, everyone is doing their utmost to protect their fellow citizens. This embodies the Chinese spirit of patriotism and dedication.
(The translation maintains the original Markdown structure, using clear and natural language that fits the style of financial journalism, while adapting expressions to suit the target audience.)