File photo: Chinanews

HANGZHOU, June 8 (Xinhua) -- East China's Zhejiang Province has launched a QR code using mobile Internet and big data to facilitate evacuation and relief during natural disasters.

The province's emergency management department said the QR codes on the popular mobile payment service Alipay can provide timely and accurate information to help people in risk areas, facilitate the passage of rescue teams and provide reliefs to victims.

During disasters like typhoons or floods, residents can use the QR codes to report their situations -- whether they are in a resettlement site or seeking shelter with their relatives or friends -- helping authorities to make appropriate arrangements for them.

Eastern China usually experiences continuous heavy rains in June, unleashing floods and mudslides, with officials highlighting the role of information collection and early evacuation in reducing losses and preventing casualties.