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ITU Response Efforts

May 2008, China Earthquake
ITU deploys satellite terminals in China after earthquake in Sichuan Province

In response to the severe earthquake that struck central China on 12 May 2008, ITU deployed 100 satellite terminals to help restore vital communication links in the region. ITU emergency satellite equipment is especially well-suited to the task of coordinating disaster relief operations and is compatible with existing government systems in the Sichuan Province. The equipment uses both satellite and GSM networks and also provide accurate GPS coordinates to aid relief and rescue operations.

May 2008, Myanmar Cyclone
ITU deploys satellite terminals in Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis

ITU deployed 100 satellite terminals to help restore vital communication links in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar on May 2. Cyclone Nargis tore off roofs, uprooted trees and downed power lines resulting in many parts of Yangon being left without electricity and telecommunications. ITU was one of the first agencies to arrive and deploy telecommunications resources in Myanmar and this rapid response was made possible thanks to the on-going implementation of the ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies.

February 2008, Zambia Floods
ITU deploys satellite terminals in Zambia floods

ITU provided both hand-held satellite phones and terminals to Zambia to assist officials in their relief efforts after severe floods inundated low-lying districts across Zambia. This deployment of emergency telecommunications proved critical for the government and humanitarian aid agencies were involved in rescue operations, medical assistance and recovery. The mobile terminals deployed by ITU are easily transportable by road and air to the affected regions and facilitate the coordination of relief operations by both government and humanitarian agencies to aid the victims of such disasters.

October 2007, Uganda Floods
ITU deploys satellite terminals in Uganda

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.

September 2007, Bangladesh Floods
ITU deploys Satellite Terminals in Bangladesh

ITU deployed 30 satellite terminals to help restore vital communication links in remote and underserved areas of Bangladesh, which were recently ravaged by floods. Since the start of the monsoon season, nearly two-thirds of Bangladesh — a delta nation of 140 million people — was inundated with flood water, bringing death and devastation across the country. Response efforts were hampered by damaged roads and airstrips, and lack of telecommunications facilities.

August 2007, Peru Earthquake
Vital communication links restored after Peru Earthquake

ITU deployed 50 satellite terminals to help restore vital communication links in remote and underserved areas. These links are critical in coordinating rescue and relief operations. The equipment was deployed in areas where telecommunications are not available. But these are most needed to facilitate emergency teams as well as government organizations in establishing communications to coordinate their work.