Shanghai is using satellite technology to help defend itself against floods this summer. 

Satellite positioning and communications will be used along with remote sensing to keep track of the city's 85 floodgates and basic meteorological conditions.

 

Data collected through the system is transferred to the city's water, weather and other departments every 15 minutes. This gives the system a good shot at predicting possible flooding and giving time for preventive measures.

 

The system will be connected to a bigger one in the surrounding provinces' Taihu area and the national flood-prevention system.

 

The flood season usually hits Shanghai from June to September, bringing with it high winds, heavy rainfall and high tides.

 

(CRI June 18, 2004)