Page 293 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024

BUILDING RESILIENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CYCLONE
DISASTER MANAGEMENT: LESSONS FROM CYCLONE BIPARJOY

1
Suryash Gautam
1 Department of Telecommunications, India

ABSTRACT 1.2 Significance of resilient telecom systems in
disaster management
Cyclones can have devastating impacts on both human lives Resilient telecommunications infrastructure is crucial for
and critical infrastructure, including telecommunications ensuring effective disaster response and recovery efforts.
systems. Resilient telecom infrastructure is crucial for During the immediate aftermath of a cyclone, reliable
enabling communication between citizens and first communication channels enable affected communities to
responders during the rescue and recovery phases following access emergency services, report casualties, and receive
a cyclone disaster. This research paper examines the role of critical information about evacuation procedures and relief
telecommunications infrastructure across the different efforts. Telecom systems also facilitate coordination among
phases of disaster management, from mitigation to recovery. first responders, government agencies, and humanitarian
It explores the requirements for building resilient telecom organizations, allowing them to assess the extent of damage,
systems that can withstand the impacts of cyclones. Through allocate resources, and prioritize response activities. In the
a case study of Cyclone Biparjoy, which made landfall in longer term, the restoration of telecommunications services
India in June 2023, the paper proposes a strategic is essential for supporting recovery and reconstruction
framework for developing a disaster-resilient efforts, as well as maintaining the social and economic well-
telecommunications infrastructure for cyclone-prone being of affected communities.
regions. The framework addresses key considerations such
as network redundancy, backup power systems, rapid 1.3 Objectives and scope of the research paper
damage assessment capabilities, and coordination with This research paper aims to examine the role of
emergency management agencies. By implementing the telecommunications infrastructure in cyclone disaster
proposed framework, telecom providers and government management and propose a strategic framework for
agencies can enhance the resilience of critical developing resilient telecom systems in cyclone-prone
communications infrastructure against cyclone disasters, regions. The paper will begin by exploring the contributions
ultimately saving lives and expediting recovery efforts. of telecom infrastructure across the four phases of disaster
management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and
Keywords – Network resilience, Disaster relief and recovery. It will then identify the key requirements for
Recovery Systems, Disaster Management, Cyclones building resilient telecom systems, considering factors such
as network redundancy, backup power systems, rapid
1. INTRODUCTION damage assessment capabilities, and coordination with
emergency management agencies. The paper will present a
1.1 Background on cyclone disasters and their impact case study of Cyclone Biparjoy, which made landfall in India
on telecommunications infrastructure in June 2023, to analyze the telecom sector's response and
Cyclones are among the most destructive natural disasters, recovery efforts and draw lessons for future cyclone disasters.
causing widespread damage to human lives, property, and Based on these findings, the paper will propose a strategic
critical infrastructure. These powerful storms, characterized framework for developing disaster-resilient
by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, can lead telecommunications infrastructure, addressing the specific
to flooding, landslides, and other secondary hazards. In challenges and opportunities in cyclone-prone regions. The
recent years, the increasing frequency and intensity of framework will provide recommendations for telecom
cyclones due to climate change have heightened the need for providers, government agencies, and policymakers to
effective disaster management strategies. enhance the resilience of critical communications
Telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile infrastructure against cyclone disasters.
networks, fixed-line systems, and internet services, plays a
vital role in facilitating communication and coordination
during all phases of disaster management. However,
cyclones can cause extensive damage to telecom
infrastructure, disrupting essential communication channels
when they are most needed.

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