Archived Newsroom • Press Release |
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ITU deploys satellite communication equipment to the
Philippines
Re-establishing communications vital for search and rescue in
storm-affected areas
Geneva, 13 November 2013 — ITU has dispatched emergency
telecommunications equipment to areas severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan – one
of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded – which tore through the Visayas
region of central Philippines on Friday with deadly force, making landfall five
times, in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Panay Island and Palawan.
The combination of powerful winds and seawater has devastated buildings,
communities and families.
Damage to critical telecommunications infrastructure has made rapid
assessment difficult, and authorities are still determining casualty figures.
Given the extent of the damage it could be weeks or months before physical
telecommunications infrastructure is repaired or replaced. In the meantime,
satellite equipment provided by ITU to the Philippine authorities will help
ensure that essential telecommunications services can be quickly provided
through satellite, to enable much-needed support for search and rescue services
as well as the need for families to re-establish contacts.
ITU has deployed 50 Thuraya satellite phones equipped with GPS to facilitate
search and rescue efforts, along with 30 Iridium satellite phones, 20 Inmarsat
Broadband Global Area Network terminals, and a Qualcomm CDMA base station. The
equipment can be charged by car batteries and is also supplied with solar panels
to enable operation during power outages.
In the immediate aftermath of the typhoon, ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun
I. Touré expressed to the Government of the Philippines his 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 the Philippines 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 the Philippines in
search and rescue operations and re-establish vital communication links.”
Re-establishing communications is a critical service, particularly in the
immediate aftermath of disasters to ensure timely intervention and support for
the victims, to assist in rescue and rehabilitation efforts and to enable
families to re-establish links with loved ones. “Our aim is to ensure that the
national and international humanitarian community has reliable access to
telecommunications to enable them to serve affected people and save lives,” said
Brahima Sanou, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU. “This
disaster comes just after the first sitting of the Advisory Board for Smart
Sustainable Development, a new initiative to ensure better preparedness and
response in times like this. We offer our deep condolences to families who lost
loved ones. I hope this equipment will help support ongoing work and we are
ready to give immediate support during the rehabilitation of affected
telecommunications infrastructure.”
ITU experts have been deployed to the Philippines and are working with the
authorities to train first responders in the use of the equipment during search
and rescue operations and for logistical support.
For more information, please contact:
Sanjay Acharya
Chief Media Relations and Public Information
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Paul Conneally
Head,
Communications & Partnership Promotion
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