China will share its orbiting eyes

Many of the SCO countries are characterized by high mountains, deserts, oceans and a lack of meteorological information. The number of meteorological disasters in the region is more than double the world average, the administration said.

It said SCO countries could apply to be tapped into an emergency mechanism it established in April when they are stricken by disasters like typhoons, rainstorms, severe storm patterns, sandstorms or fires.

“China Meteorological Administration will make frequent observations of the disaster-stricken areas — every five to six minutes — after receiving an application. The information will be offered to the affected countries to support their disaster control and relief efforts,” the administration said.

China has launched 17 Fengyun series meteorological satellites. Eight are currently in operation.

The World Meteorological Organization has included China’s Fengyun series of meteorological satellites as a major part of the global Earth observation system. They provide data to clients in more than 80 countries and regions.

Since the Fengyun 2A was sent into orbit in 1997, the Fengyun 2 series satellites have monitored more than 470 typhoons emerging in the western Pacific Ocean and South China Sea.