At 19 p.m. on July 12, the first flood peak of the Jialing River this year traversed through the central part of Chongqing, China, and the highest water level of the Ciqikou section was 181.48 m.

At this time, some low-lying areas of Ciqikou section were submerged, and businesses on the second floor of Linjiang were still operating normally, but the first floor was emptied and cordoned off, while staff were on duty to keep tourists from entering.

Along the river warning signs saying "No thoroughfare during the flood peak" were hanging, inspectors patrolled back and forth, keeping close tabs on the the flood peak.

"We transferred all the booths and supplies the day prior to the flood according to the information provided by the Zhitian Shapingba District flood control decision-making and commanding System (hereinafter referred to as the System)." Said HU Haijun in charge of emergency management in Ciqikou street.

Due to close proximity to the Jialing River, from July to September in previous years, Ciqikou is often plagued by the flood peak, which has gravely affected the production and life of the people along the river, so it is vitally important to accurately predict the rain and water conditions.

This year, the Service closely monitors the rain condition, strengthened information sharing and coordination with departments upstream and downstream, added precipitation forecast and rainfall information in the decision-making service materials in the upstream area, and watched water body changes through satellite remote sensing in real time to ward off upstream transit floods.

At the same time, it makes full use of digital and smart means to elevate monitoring and early warning capabilities. The System has been a powerful tool to guard against the transit floods.

On July 11, prior to the flood peak, the staff from the Shapingba District Meteorological Office (hereinafter referred to as the Office) estimated the inundation risk during the flood peak through the three-dimensional transit flood analysis model of the System. Photoed by REN Jun

This is the first comprehensive digital flood control decision-making and commanding system in Chongqing, jointly developed by departments in terms of meteorology, emergency management, big data, water conservancy and others. Before and after the flood peak transit, Shapingba district departments at all levels have made commands and deployments through the System for many times.

On the page of the System, the panoramic view of Ciqikou Wharf Square can be observed. Through the three-dimensional transit flood inundated analysis model, the flooding risk during the transit of flood peak can be accurately predicted, evacuation instructions can be automatically generated and sent, commanding and guiding the personnel to transfer and evacuate.

On July 11, before the flood peak, staff from the Office monitored the incoming water from the upper reaches of Jialing River through the System, grasped the time and water level of the flood peak in time, and estimated the inundation scope of the flood to reach Shapingba. Credits to the Office

On July 11, Shapingba District government organized flood transit prevention and deployment work through the System. Photoed by REN Jun

On July 8, rain and flood risk warnings were released. All departments in Shapingba District immediately made preparations for flood control, organizing an emergency team of more than 30 people in each town street along the river, and an emergency team of more than 10 people in each village community, with emergency equipment such as pumps and drones. Along the river, patrol teams conducted patrols at 27 ferry ports and turned away many people who had come to swim, fish and see the floodwaters up close.

On July 11, the System predicted a peak water level of 181.01 m on July 12. According to the results of the System study and related judgment, relevant departments notified the affected merchants one by one in advance, and informed the water level changes and safety instructions.

Editor: LIU Shuqiao