Police are preparing to launch in August a website where citizens can post photos and video clips taken on their smartphones in times of major disasters, so that authorities can swiftly control traffic and begin relief activities, officials said Thursday.

The National Police Agency will solicit images of things such as damaged roads, collapsed buildings and landslides caused by earthquakes, typhoons and heavy rain to be posted via the website, which will only be launched at the time of a major disaster, they said.

"The website holds a great significance as it will help us better understand the disaster situation," said an agency official in charge of the project.