Emergency Communications
DID YOU KNOW?
At times of disaster, when other communications systems are either destroyed or overloaded, satellite communications equipment can be used immediately to support relief efforts and let loved ones be in touch?
ESOA participated in the EU Space Conference on 08 Nov 2011 at Brussels where ESOA Chairman Eric Béranger presented its position on 'Crisis Management and Prevention'.
As seen most recently in Haiti and Chile, established and sophisticated ground infrastructures can be damaged and rendered useless during disasters. Satellites have almost complete immunity from catastrophic events such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes and are therefore deployed during most if not all disasters to enable immediate vital communications for relief efforts, which otherwise would have taken days or weeks to set up. Satellite communications offer a range of solutions to meet the immediate needs of emergency response, help civil protection as well as the on-going needs of humanitarian aid.
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| A Eutelsat DSTAR terminal deployed and operating near Port-au-Prince airport |
Today no institutional scheme exists in Europe by which to coordinate and deliver satellite solutions to disaster struck regions. The Commission communication on Disaster Relief issued in October 2010 also made no reference to satellite communications despite the obvious link. Satcoms is a fundamental component of the EU’s ability to respond and even more importantly, to be seen to respond to disasters, at home or abroad.
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| Satellite services restore critical telecommunications in Haiti |
Some members of ESOA are also members of Telecoms Sans Frontiers. Presently ESOA members are supporting efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake that has affected the country.
Haiti Updates:
- SES WORLD SKIES Donates Satellite Capacity In Support Of Relief Efforts For Haiti View
- Vizada, SES Donate Capacity to Haiti View
- Two Emergesat Containers in Haiti View
- Haiti's only direct submarine cable disrupted, but most ISPs operational View
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CRISIS MANAGEMENT & SATELLITESLINKS FOR LIFE |
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COMMUNICATIONS FOR AID AND EMERGENCY |
