Re-establishing communications vital for
search and rescue in tsunami-affected areas
ITU has dispatched emergency telecommunications
equipment to areas severely affected by the tsunami that struck the
coastal areas of Japan following Friday’s devastating earthquake
measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale.
ITU has deployed 78 Thuraya satellite phones
equipped with GPS to facilitate search and rescue efforts along with
13 Iridium satellite phones as well as 37 Inmarsat Broadband Global
Area Network terminals. An additional 30 Inmarsat terminals are also
ready for dispatch. The equipment can be charged by car batteries and
are also supplied with solar panels to enable operations during power
outages.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake
and tsunami, ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun Touré had communicated
with the Government of Japan, expressing profound sorrow at the loss
of life, injuries and human displacement as well as the extensive
damage to property and infrastructure. With the deployment of
emergency telecommunications equipment, Dr Touré said, “ITU is
prepared to help the Government and people of Japan in every way
possible in their hour of need and to deal with the colossal tragedy
that has overwhelmed the country with unimaginable loss of life and
property. I hope the deployment of emergency telecommunications
equipment will assist the Government of Japan in search and rescue
operations and re-establish vital communication links”.
Re-establishing communications is a critical
tool particularly in the immediate aftermath of disasters to ensure
timely intervention and support for the victims and to assist in
rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
(Source: ITU – Newsroom)
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