STRATEGIES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIELD
In recent years, from the majority of field experiences, it has been learned that communications networks are one of the major pillars for disaster management. In this regard, the exploitation of different space technology applications to support the communications services in disasters plays an important role, in the prevention and mitigation of the natural disasters effects on terrestrial communications infrastructures.
At the present time around the world, the use and integration of different space technology applications that contribute to planning and designing alternative communications networks for the relief of the disaster’s impact, on the terrestrial communications infrastructures, have gained great importance in the disaster management scenario. In each one of the disaster stages, the information flow between the disaster management organizations, the population, and other actors, in general, is a critical and fundamental factor to provide a quick and opportune response to all aspects linked to a disaster event. Frequently in diverse disasters situations, the terrestrial communications infrastructures are affected by the disaster impacts, phenomena that cause the communications services unavailable to support in the disaster management. In most cases, the disasters impact mainly communications services, such as the mobile phone networks, fiber optic systems, terrestrial microwave systems, fixed telephone services, private and public TV networks, commercial radio networks, and also the Internet services infrastructures. Scenarios that have a considerable impact in all processes are related to the preparedness, response, and recovery in disaster conditions, since the communications services have an important function in the disaster management tasks.
In general the telecommunication networks have performed well in major earthquakes when compared to the other utilities such electric power, water supply, and transportations since the 1971 San Fernando, California earthquake. The damage to equipment of a central office shut down the emergency service inthe area for days. The awareness of hardening both equipment design and installation spread throughout
the industry. Standard was established by Bell CORE and implemented by the telecommunication service providers.
Mobile communication networks are the pre-eminent way for an affected population to communicate with the world in and beyond a disaster zone. Although utilized before, the power of mobile became particularly evident in the aftermath of the 2010 Haitian earthquake which saw a proliferation of new coordination and response strategies that were built around this platform. The mobile phone and in particular voice calls are people’s primary method of communication in a disaster. As mobile communication becomes ubiquitous and its role in disaster response increases, a renewed commitment to creating robust mobile networks that can support effective communication during this period is essential.
It includes –
- ELECTRIC POWER
Electric power among all the lifelines usually experience most damage, particularly in substations. The
usual outage is from hours to days. In many occasions, electric power outage impacts other lifeline performance in a post earthquake situation. It is a common practice for telecommunication facilities to have reserve power (battery banks) for short duration outage.It is essential for key telecommunication facilities to have backup power generator for prolonged power cuts.
- ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Electronic equipment requires cooling from an environmental control system to maintain a constant operating temperature to reduce the chance of failure. Some of these cooling systems need water to chill radiators. Underground water tank providing water to the radiator and also acts a
heat sink can be considered as one of the solutions. It must be cautioned that the pump for pumping the water to the radiator must be connected to the back up power generator.
- REDUNDANCY
From a network perspective, there are multiple means to maintain a reasonable level of service in an
adverse situation. Establishing a dispersed redundant route will avoid a total disconnect from another facility.
Written by :
Ms.Shireen Sultana