In the meantime, drones and diverse satellite monitoring devices have been put into service to conduct the round-the-clock monitoring works to assess the stability conditions affected by the fluctuations in reservoir water levels, according to Huang Jue, a senior engineer at the Wuhan center.

　　Huang explained that traditional manual inspections normally take a long period of time and costs are high. The drones can fly close to steep cliffs, dangerous rocks and other areas that are difficult for people to reach.

　　"Moreover, drones can take off immediately when traffic is disrupted after disasters occur and provide first-hand information for rescue decision-making in a timely manner," he added.■

　　This photo taken on Aug. 20, 2026 shows a monitoring device in operation at an unstable rock body on a mountain in Zigui County of Yichang, central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Yang)

　　This photo taken on Aug. 20, 2026 shows an unstable rock body in Zigui County of Yichang, central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Yang)