During disasters, the ability to communicate becomes a critical tool. For rescuers and responders, it could mean the difference between life and death. However, there are some cases when the conventional means of communication are unable to function.
Fortunately, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ready for this. Last March, DSWD received state-of-the-art satellite equipment from Inmarsat, a British satellite telecommunications company. (read about it here: https://fo8.dswd.gov.ph/…/better-communication-for-better-…/) With these tools, DSWD is now able to communicate even without reception from local telecommunications companies.
Recently, DSWD’s Quick Response Team (QRT) recently conducted a hands-on training on how to use these equipment through a simulation exercise. This exercise was held as part of DSWD’s Training on Disaster Preparedness and Response Protocols, held in Ormoc City.
Through this exercise, the QRT learned how to operate the MCD-4800 (“Football”), the Cobham Explorer 710 Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) terminal which can provide wifi connectivity and satellite phones which can be used to call even without reception.
With these tools, DSWD QRT can now send and receive valuable information critical during disaster operations. Through this, DSWD can now respond to disasters quicker and more efficiently. According to DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations Marcela Lim, before these satellite equipment, sending and receiving reports took up to three days. Now it can be done in real-time, leading to a much better service during disaster operations.
Photos courtesy of Kenny Unay