ITU deploys satellite terminals in Uganda (October 2007)
ITU
deployed 25 satellite terminals to help restore crucial communication links in
areas of Uganda. Uganda was among the nations hit hardest by floods that swept
across 17
countries in Africa in October 2007.
Around 300,000
people lost their homes or crops after heavy rainfall which led to flooding and
water-logging in northern, central and eastern parts of the country. Most
households affected by the flooding are dependent on subsistence agriculture and
reside in areas in which basic services are already overstretched.
The Government
was compelled to declare a state of emergency after several districts were
ravaged by torrential rains and flash floods that took lives, destroyed roads and
communication links, and submerged crops.
The ITU
Emergency Telecommunications assistance to Uganda comprised Thuraya hand-held
satellite phones and Inmarsat Global Area Network (GAN) terminals. The Thuraya
satellite phones use both satellite and GSM networks and also provide accurate
GPS positioning coordinates to aid relief and rescue. The Inmarsat GAN terminals
are mainly used for voice communications and, in some cases, can be used for
high-speed data. ITU pays for all expenses, including transportation of the
equipment and usage.
Emergency telecommunications is crucial
for government and humanitarian aid agencies involved in rapid response rescue
operations, medical assistance and recovery.
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| Crossing flood waters in places where bridges have
been washed away |
Trying to get across an over-flowing river. |
A group of marooned Ugandans attempting to reach safer areas
after their dwellings have been swept away by the floods |
Recent response efforts by ITU:
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