An earthquake in Tangshan, China killed 300,000-750,000 persons. Modern remote-sensing of surface temperatures may have given warning. Better communications would have increased the effectiveness of the emergency response. Space technologies and applications can be used to mitigate the severity of the losses. Visible remote sensing can provide weather prediction and warning.
Spectral monitors can discriminate as to water, snow, and land and can measure ground saturation.
Topographic information can provide the basis for simulations. Temperature and moisture monitoring could indicate environments conducive to epidemics. GPS-based sensors can monitor displacements and seismic activity, leading to predictions. Satellite-based communication can contribute after the event. Visible sensing can provide weather prediction.