Telecom Infrastructure: The Lifeline in Disaster Response

Introduction

Telecommunication networks are critical for disaster response, allowing governments and disaster management agencies to communicate quickly. However, they are highly vulnerable to disasters like cyclones, earthquakes, and floods due to damage to towers, cables, and power failures. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, recently released a report highlighting these vulnerabilities and suggesting measures to strengthen telecom resilience.

Why Telecom Resilience is Important

• Enables quick communication between disaster management agencies and government bodies.
• Provides early warnings and alerts to people in affected areas.
• Ensures coordination of relief efforts, such as rescue operations and medical aid.

Despite its importance, telecom infrastructure is highly vulnerable to physical damage and power failures during disasters.

Impact of Disasters on Telecom Networks

1. Physical Damage

• Telecom towers collapse due to high wind speeds.
• Overground cables snap, disrupting connectivity.
• Undersea cable landing stations are damaged, affecting global internet links.

2. Power Failures

• Lack of electricity is the biggest reason for telecom network failure.
• Backup power (batteries, diesel generators) is often insufficient.

3. Delayed Repairs

• Fixing undersea cables is time-consuming.
• Telecom operators struggle to reroute traffic, leading to widespread disruptions.

Ways to Strengthen Telecom Resilience

1. Strengthening Infrastructure

• Telecom towers in disaster-prone areas should withstand higher wind speeds.
• Underground fibre optic cables should be laid alongside other infrastructure (Dig-Once Policy).

2. Ensuring Reliable Power Supply

• Backup generators and emergency fuel reserves should be maintained.
• Odisha government provides 50 litres of fuel per telecom operator during disasters to keep networks running.

3. Faster Damage Response

• Real-time monitoring by the DoT helps restore networks quickly.
• Better coordination among telecom operators and government agencies is needed.

4. Financial Protection for Operators

• Parametric insurance can help telecom companies recover losses and restore services faster.

5. Simple but Effective Steps

• Elevating diesel generators can prevent them from failing in floods.
• Building stronger power infrastructure reduces telecom disruptions.

Conclusion

Disaster-resilient telecom networks are essential for emergency response and public safety. The CDRI report highlights the need for better infrastructure, power backup, monitoring, and financial support. By adopting these measures, India can ensure uninterrupted communication during disasters, saving lives and property.