Technology and disasters
By Adam Gaffin, NetworkWorld.com, 01/04/05
It seems like the world and the affected countries are learning valuable technology lessons from the tsunami that could lessen the impact of similar disasters in the future. Chief among them, of course, is the need for
a tsunami early-warning system in countries on the Indian Ocean (hmm, as a Boston resident, I have to ask:
do we need something similar for the East Coast?).
Cisco, CGNET and Inmarsat are working with
NetHope to distribute satellite-based "NetReliefKits" to areas devastated by the tsunami:
The NRK is a rugged, suitcase-sized, wireless voice and data communications device, with access to the Internet via a mobile or fixed satellite station. It can be made operable within hours of a disaster striking. The NRK may be powered by mains as well as car battery power.
The Wireless Communications Association International is raising money to buy wireless equipment for the affected areas. And at a meeting this month, it will discuss the role of
wireless for dealing with the next big disaster:
Meanwhile, W. David Stephenson
reminds us not to forget tested, decades-old technologies, such as ham radio:
As important as new communications technologies such as mesh networks and text messaging are to emergency communications, the tsunami disaster reminds us that some of the oldest methods remain relevant and must be part of a robust, comprehensive, redundant plan in case one or more other methods fail.
He points to
this article on the role played by amateur-radio operators in relaying emergency communications:
... Goonetilleke said that even Sri Lanka's prime minister had no contact with the outside world until Amateur Radio operators stepped in. "Our control center was inside the prime minister's official house in his operational room," he recounted. "[This] will show how they valued our services."
Goonetilleke reports that even satellite phones failed, and only the Amateur Radio HF link remained open. One problem: Batteries were running out, and there are no generators to recharge them. ...
Oh, and let's not forget the Web itself: Not only did it become a way to quickly distribute news and video of the deadly waves, it's proven itself as a key way for people to make contributions to help victims.
This list shows agencies that accept donations online.
TrackBack
Back to Compendium
Comments
Post a comment
