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ITU deploys emergency telecommunication equipment in
Dominica
Relief coordination underway in aftermath of Tropical Storm Erika
Geneva, 3 September 2015 – ITU has deployed emergency
telecommunication equipment in Dominica, which was hit by Tropical Storm Erika
on 27 August. Heavy rains, severe flooding and landslides wreaked widespread
damage across the island in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea.
The emergency telecommunication equipment includes satellite phones,
Broadband Global Area Networks, solar chargers, laptops and accessories, which
are being used to support relief and coordination efforts.
“I express my sincere condolences to the people and Government of Dominica
following loss of life and widespread destruction caused by high winds, flooding
and mudslides,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “ITU stands ready to
support Dominca in its hour of need and other Member States in their efforts to
provide humanitarian support to those affected by natural disasters.”
“Communication is vital in the aftermath of any disaster,” said Mr Kelver
Darroux, Minister of Information, Science, Telecommunications and Technology of
Dominica. “The emergency telecommunication equipment we have received from ITU
brings us a step closer in our recovery process.”
“After a natural disaster, not a single life should be lost because of the
break down in telecommunication services,” said Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of
ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “The emergency communication
equipment sent by ITU will provide vital links to coordinate relief and rescue
efforts in Dominica.”
“The emergency telecommunication equipment we requested was delivered
promptly, helping the government to extend its relief coordination efforts in
areas affected by Tropical Storm Erika,” added Mr Lucien Blackmoore, Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Science, Telecommunications and
Technology of Dominica.
The Government of Dominica has declared nine special disaster areas in the
districts of Petite Savanne, Pichelin, Good Hope, Bath Estate (Paradise Valley),
Dubique, Campbell, Coulibistrie, San Sauveur and Petite Soufrière.
ITU considers emergency telecommunications an integral part of the post-2015
development agenda.
For more information, please contact:
Sanjay Acharya
Chief, Media Relations and Public Information, ITU
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Monica Albertini
Communication Officer
Telecommunication Development Bureau
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