The document discusses the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in disaster recovery and emergency response. It analyzes 10 case studies of disasters where ICTs played an important role. Some key lessons include: ICTs are critical for coordination, but networks are often damaged; satellite phones and radios can restore connectivity when networks are down; social media helps spread information and call for aid; and pre-disaster planning, like hardening telecom infrastructure, makes response more effective. The case studies demonstrate both good practices, like quick restoration of services, and limitations, such as lack of access to or acceptance of ICTs in some regions.

1. “Disaster Recovery Assessment”
Disaster Recovery Interventions in Information
Communication Technology (ICTs) :- “Emergency Telecom”
Mr. Ram Singh
M.A. / M.Sc. in Disaster Studies
M2014DM037

2. “Information Communication Technology (ICT)”
Emergency Telecommunication:
Introduction: It is an umbrella term, which includes many communication devices or
applications, like internet connectivity, satellite system, satellite phones, cellular phones,
computers and network hardware and software and other communication devices. ICTs
applications are chats, video and audio conferencing with relatives and friends.
It is an unforgettable part of our system which is considerable driving force behind sustainable
development, economic growth, citizen engagement, management system, job creation etc. But
here we will be studying in terms of disaster management. The role of information
communication technology in disaster is very important. Due to lack of ICTs, any task like as
rescue, rehabilitation, resettlement, reconstruction is not possible.
ICTs play an important role in organizing rescue, relief and reconstruction work for social
disasters. ICT is needed very badly by the citizens in devastated areas. We should be aware that
it is perhaps one of the important steps towards disasters mitigation.
The convergence of information technology, broadcasting and telecommunication is blurring at
various stages of disciplines and ICTs require much regulatory amendment for transparent
information and communication sector.
“Here will be looking at different disaster cases across the world. Specially looking at the use of
Information communication technology in various calamities” -

3. Case 1.
Nepal Earthquake (25th April 2015)
In case of Nepal Earthquake 2015, the emergency telecommunication humanitarian responders
require these services for communicate and coordinate their relief and rescue operations. Internet
connectivity perform effective coordination, response and analysis for urgent those who are
affected by earthquake. Telephone and radio communication technology allows humanitarian
community to operate securely and safely in this challenging environment.
The cluster (A cluster consists of two or more computers working together to provide a higher
level of availability, reliability, and scalability than can be obtained by using a single
computer) response addresses telecommunication gap in common operating areas, ensuring to
provide reliable and independent Information & Communication technology (ICT) services
which helpful in humanitarian response.
With the help of cluster technology 12 districts were get net connectivity in three specific areas
in Nepal. Over 1000 users are registered, 140 among them were acts as like response
organization. Cluster provide benefit inbuilt mechanisms for more cost-effective response,
allowing services on remote sites. It is operated by collaboration of government body,
commercial group and humanitarian partners to ensure an effective response and prevent from
duplication of efforts.
Cluster has enough satellite equipment in country to fulfill a services of three ongoing areas and
three mobiles sites are available to make connectivity with national provider services to replace
ETC (Erosion, Technology and Concentration) satellite strength, encouraging restoration of their
network and permit ETC satellite terminals to be moved for upcoming next remote identified
operating area. ETC services are ready to cooperate in Nepal Post-Disaster Assessment, to
promote in inclusive growth in telecommunication at humanitarian sectors.

4. Action on priority:
1. Sharing of internet connectivity services to humanitarian response community in four
different areas by using ETC equipment
2. Preparation of security communication network in four different areas including various
external group like as UN, NGO and other humanitarian group.
3. Coordination establishment of ICT with the help of different commercial, state and Gov
authorities.
4. Capacity building program with technical humanitarian community to ensuring
sustainability of deployed services and solutions.
5. Collaboration with Nepal Gov authorities for capacity building program innovation in
forward sustainable direction and design new future resilience program for future
disaster.
Case 2.
Chennai Flood (8th
Nov 2015 to 14th
December 2015)
Incessant rains and flooding brought Chennai to its knees last year, various part of city were cut
off as both power and telecom services broke down. This natural as well as manmade calamity
touched our heart, as was exposed form of aid that flowed in, it also exposed fault in India’s
disaster management system.
In case of Jammu & Kashmir in 2014 and Uttarakhand in 2013, when rescue fore were checked
because telecommunication services were severely affected, People in Chennai too could not cll
for rescue or help from outside or to connect urgently with their relatives and friends. All
telecom services provider companies were network system was damaged except BSNL. Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited’s landline was the only single source at many places.
Telecommunication service provider company say network services damaged due to rupturing of
towers and failure of back-up genets to operate because of shortage of fuel and flooding of the

5. life premises. Most of flood affected people were stuck for three –four days in their home
without any contact with outer world and due to disruption in mobile technology during very
traumatic condition.
The communication services are totally damaged in this condition only one channel of
communication that has worked in emergency contact numbers or Toll free numbers provided by
Gov and local Municipal Corporation. Most of experts think that due to increase in global
warming and many various reasons, this sort of disaster has become very frequent. During such
type of disaster the 24/7 emergency contact plays an important role in disaster management.
This type of numbers was provided immediate protection for those affected people. Which
become more effective for recovery?
24/7 services: It should be working till 24*7, when power is not available.
Track Missed Call alert services: By this technique no need to call only single missed call
tracker tracks all call from anywhere.
Call /Voice Recording system: All call should be recorded automatically when any call gets
missed due to heavy load of traffic. The victim people can call back for information. This system
becomes more effective in emergency situations.
Single number for all: In many Disaster affected districts one number system for all was
provided by the local authorities to get help easily. These are basically very easy number to
remember to everyone and it is very helpful for them.
Ability to monitor the emergency services: To identify that all emergency number are working
properly or not. All call is tracked by the authorities very easily.
Easy Transfer and Conference: Easy way to make a call between more than two people for
easy tracking.

6. Case 3.
Japan Tsunami (11th
March 2011):
The Japan tsunami 2011 happened due to failure of nuclear power station. On 11 mar 2011 at
2:46 pm, an unpredicted earthquake hit the eastern hail of Japan coastal region and this resulted
in huge damage and confusion to the communication system of the affected area. Information
plays an important role in organizing rescue, relief and reconstruction work for social disasters
and if we take the case of Japan earthquake the ICT was needed very badly by the citizens in
devastated areas. We should be aware that it is perhaps one of the first massive disasters which
hit a well developed country equipped with broadband and 3G mobile networks and other ICT
infrastructure and services. Though many citizens were using the smart phones in addition to
mass media such as TV and Radio broadcasting to find information or call for rescue. However
most telephones services were blocked and inaccessible.
Interventions – The Govt. rescue team had 1500 radio and satellite mobile phones and other
communication device. A number of concerned ICT professionals started an initiation of
Information support platform drawing on industry, govt. and civil society. This multi –
stakeholder platform coordinated and complemented official relief work. They organized site
visit to find out what kind of information and services were really in need. After visit they
identified several areas where they needed ICT solution to recovery works. They built common
application Program interfaces for informational support. Coordinated with NGOs and supported
local government.
This intervention with ICT information helped the professionals in the time of disaster and it
minimized the risk in many ways because this is the age where it is very difficult to put one step
without the use of ICT.

7. Best Practice – one of the striking points here is that the use of multi – expertise personnel and
coming together in one platform and involve in the work of recue and reconstruction after
disaster. The formation of Information Support Platform which consist not only few ICT
professionals but it included industry, government and civil society.
Bad Practice can be stated that though the Govt. has a rescue team and thay have 1500 radios
and satellite mobile phones and communication devices but these did not meet the demand for
communication and many could not be delivered to local governments, whose city and buildings
had been severely damaged.
Case 4.
Myanmar Flood (16th
July 2015):
On 16th
July heavy monsoon rain fell on Myanmar, which creates rivers and creeks to heavy
overflow with rain water and flooding downstream area around waterways. It was worst to affect
the whole regions. It causes due to addition of higher than average rain fall, Lack of proper
management on irrigation projects and deforestation.
It is important to examine the provision of humanitarian relief relates to issue of hearing and
accountability. Broadcasting or communicating the information among community, Information
about unprotected area, survivor resources and important public safety can help for future
outbreak of various post disaster traumas. More than 77,000 hectares land of farmland was
flooded and 7300 hectares were damage.
ITU has provided telecommunication devices in Myanmar flood which have claimed lives and
more than 200000 acres land and house were damaged.

8. ITU includes Iridium satellite phones, Inmarsat satellite terminals (Broadband global area
network), Accessories, laptops and mobiles phones for relief and rescue. Information and
communication technology play critical role in disaster strikes.
The excess flooding has damaged all communications towers sites. Mobiles network company
Telenor service provider company is working closely with towers manufacturing company and
including local relief authorities ensure it that the provided mobile network were in working
condition.
Case 5.
The 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand -
After the 2011 earthquake in New Zealand in emergency situation both public switched
telephone networks and mobile phone networks faced the issue of call – overloading. It
happened heavily soon after the earthquake at the height of panic. Since New Zealand has
become the victim of earthquake earlier therefore it has informed implementation of more
resilient systems. The mobile network was considered the prime mode of communication
therefore many places were provisioned so that they could be connected easily.
Case 6.
The July 2010 Flood in Pakistan –
Impact of flood on communication system cannot be denied. The intervention conducted in
recovery process was as follows

9. During Disaster –
Humari Awaz –
It is a mobile phone based social networking channel available to all cell phone operations in
Pakistan. One can create their own group and anyone can join it for free through this network
and all the information was disseminated through the SMS. The main purpose of initiating “
Humari Awaz” was to build mobile based networks around shared interest, themes and subjects
and to create social network that facilitated more people to people interaction.
After Disaster
Flood MAPS –
It is website locally invented which derives from the reliability of Google Earth and Google
Maps to track the path of the floods and monitor devastation like washed out bridges that needed
to be rebuilt. This maps provided detailed views of thousands of villages affected by the
downpour, broken down region.
ZTE Network Management –
The communication network was maintained by ZTE in disaster regions, and provided a strong
surviving power for the provision of relief to local residents. ZTE set up a Disaster Evolution and
Rescue team and they ensured that communication was maintained in a normal and stable
manner.
Social Networking like Facebook and Twitter
It was a great help for Pakistani Community to be connected and to raise voice for the help of
flood victims throughout the world. They were able to to mobilize people in different parts of the
world to help the flood victims.

10. Thus these above given interventions during disaster recovery vividly indicates that they are
good practices for each case and with regard to Emergency Telecommunication and other ICTs.
These practices have minimized the damaged caused by disasters.
Case 7.
The 2010 Earthquake in Haiti –
The 2010 earthquake with 7.0 magnitudes severely damaged and disrupted the access to service
to Haiti’s only undersea cable and carried voice and data traffic. This undersea cable and the
communication network were destroyed and as result it was unable to contact their on-site
Haitian partners for two days1
and it interrupted the relief and recovery operations.
Though the communication network was failed but there were other options like use of radio,
television and web-based solution that were provided to the people and it helped them to restore
the situation in some extent. One of the major perceptions there was that they did not consider
mobile network as a humanitarian priority. The roles of NGOs were very important in this
situation
.
Case 8.
Cyclone Nargis-Myanmar (2008):
Cyclone Nargis was hit at Ayeyarwady Delta and Yangoon on April 27th
to may 3rd
,2008. There
is huge amount of damages took place. 84,530 people killed and 53,836 people displaced or
missed according to available data source. The Nargis storm surge of about 3 to 5 meters over
the delta territory having a speed of 190 km/h at the time of landfall was reported by Department
1
Christopher Rhoads, “Quake sets back Haiti's efforts to improve telecommunications”, Wall Street Journal, 15
January 2010. Available from
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703657604575005453223257096.html

11. of Meteorology and Hydrology of Myanmar. In New Delhi the Regional specialized
meteorological centre (RSMC) were responsible for tropical weather lookup. For the monitoring
at global level the various big originations were worked together as WHO/ESCAP on tropical
cyclone. Nargis was detected in Bay of Bengal by using Meteorological satellite. The first
information bulletin was issued on 23rd
April onward. Then after getting this information the
advanced protective system and rescue operation, took place at coastal areas.
At the same time various local NGOs, EGRESS, develop Dumbo-Sahana project in collaboration
with computers experts to enhance the communication and coordination in emergency response
system. The dombo were get training from project trainers , wireless ad-hoc mesh network, GPS
mapping and street Mapping technology were use for various best interventions.
Dumbo technology allows users to call, upload file, transmit video, location identification etc.
The ad-hoc mesh used in remote area for finding favorable condition like as temperature, wind
direction, speed, weather conditions etc. It is very easy to accessible in critical case.
Case 9.
The 2004 tsunami in the Maldives –
Soon after the tsunami the Communication Authority of Maldives took some really good and key
steps to safeguard the communication networks of their country. As a disaster mitigation steps ,
they initiated two mobile network operators (MNOs), Dhiraagu and Wataniya and changed the
old service with the network topologies from a series type to a ring in order to increase
resilience. Adding to this two very small aperture terminals were installed for emergency
communications in special locations looking at the disaster risk in future. Other measures were
taken including the interconnection of the country’s two submarine cable. This measure would
reduce the risk of completely losing connectivity with international community. National

12. roaming and other calling that would be activated with the official announcement of disaster are
other intervention and initiative taken by the Operators in Maldives.
Case 10.
The 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka
2004 tsunami in Sri-Lanka is perhaps the worst natural disaster that took place. The network of
the fixed line operator Sri-Lanka Telecom suffered a heavy damage in various cities of the
country. 2% of the Sri- Lanka Telecom network went down, with around 59000 lines
disconnected2
. There was around 33% of these damaged lines were reconnected within two
weeks following the tsunami 2004. One of the best practice by SLT was that it used microwave
links to connect its affected based area to the network.
Soon after the devastation of the tsunami SLT restored the connectivity to every essential service
such as hospitals and police and also set up the Disaster Management Centre. They realized the
importance of satellite communication facilities and wireless phones for relief agency and they
provided to them. it was very amazing to see that two days after the disaster
They arranged the telephone facilities on a free-of-charge basis for the public to convey urgent
messages. SLT also widened the scope of operator-assisted services to provide connectivity
relief centre, hospitals, police and the other essential services.
2
Sri Lanka Telecom, “Annual Report”, 2004. Available from http://www.slt.lk/sites/default/files/reports‐
html/annual/2004/html_version/ceo/message.htm.

13. Limitations of interventions:
In disaster situation, As a human being we give priority to human life, their livelihood, and other
visible needs of human beings but In disaster situation place of ICTs comes may be secondary
or tertiary level. Acceptance of ICTs is not in first preference list but we know that if we
familiarizes with ICTs it will really work to save our life very easily in any unwanted conditions.
After deep analysis of all these above cases my own finding that are described below:
1. In most of countries which are economically deprived acceptance of ICTs are not there in
the case of Haiti and Pakistan.
2. Most of cases lack of proper monitoring, accountability, accessibility, availability ICTs
didn’t perform at accuracy level in Myanmar case.
3. Up gradation of electronics equipment or technical devices have not happened since
many years.
4. In Indian disaster scenario it is very common phenomena that no mechanism for
identification in pre-and post disaster that what actual status is.
5. In case of Pakistan, people are affected by flood but their acceptance is not ok with
technological intervention. They are bounded with their religious norms.
6. In Nepal case it is a very poor country. There Govt. wants to access technology for better
result in short time but there are not much economical and technical support available for
them.
7. The use of ICTs in disaster situation depends on the status of country. If the country is
developed enough they give priority to ICT in dealing with the damage assessment and
on the other hand the poorer country prioritizes the basic visible needs rather than ICTs.
8. In some cases the technocrats use technical implement for better inclusive nature in
disaster scenario without considering any participation of affected people at various
levels then the outcome is not moved in sustainable direction. Because it is very
important to know about what the affected people want.

14. Critic points on Participation:
1. All information communication based interventions were practiced by Govt. body at
various levels except in case of Maldives.
2. Involvement of community is not much considered.
3. Basically ICTs body is framed by constitutional parameters so no place is given for
non-constituently reformed body.
4. In any disaster most of time the service provider companies are not capable to provide
better services due to heavy load on network.
5. During disaster participation at local level have not prioritize mainly.
6. All interventions are based on expertise group in that situation no involvement local
individuals has happened.
7. Several NGOs, State authorities, central govt. and other local groups do not work at
same platform so there are possibilities of clashes.
8. The technical devices are basically not cheaper for everyone, so most of them are not
in support of ICTs interventions.
9. Due to failure of power issue participation doesn’t take place from the local and
constitutional body.
“While technology alone cannot prevent the suffering that inevitably follows
natural and man-made disasters, its better use can at least improve the
response of governments, aid agencies and NGOs.” 3
3
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34715962

15. How Technology is improving global disaster relief?
When any natural or man-made disaster causes havoc around and population of that affected
area get displaced or have to become homeless then their livelihood gets disturbed. It is at
this juncture, there come the important of all communications and power. If all these
communication and power infrastructure are damaged then the real problems start.
In present scenario “mobile phone having net connectivity is more important to people than
food and water”
The supply of food, water, shelters, medical aid and other basic need require for affected
people is made even very though for aid agencies, Govt. bodies, state authorities and NGOs
without proper communications.
Instant Hotspot:
Croatian firm Mesh Point has innovated highly-portable equipment which is resistance in all
weather Wi-Fi and 4G device that connect up to 150 devices to internet at a single interval of
time. It will sustain at most inhospitable conditions. It has self created local internet hotspot
or capable to auto connect from a far connectivity available.
Most of telecom companies include themselves for large scale communication projects and
plans in disaster prone territory at global level, and also realizing the profit of more portable
solutions in future.
Mobile telecom tech play crucial role in any disaster situations to reconnect the affected
people to love one and relatives and at the same time they try to create a clear-cut path in
between Aid-agencies and people, since it was acted like a mediator and try to make proper
coordination of their support.
The availability of Smartphone is abandon in market which contain more advanced features
in it because expense of battery life, so provision for power supply also required where their
phone will function. Also it has played an important role in disaster scenario.

16. References:
1. “Information and Communication Technology Usage in the 2010 Pakistan Floods”- a
case study by NetHope.
2. Javed Iqbal Khan Niazi, thesis on “Comparative Analysis of Emergency Response
Operations: Haiti Earthquake in January 2010 and Pakistan‟s Flood in 2010”
3. http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/The%20resilience%20of%20ICT%20Infrastru
ctures.pdf
4. The role of ICT during the disaster – A story of how Internet and other information and
communication services could or could not help relief operations at the Great East Japan
Earthquake Author: Izumi Aizu Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Info Socionomics,
5. URL: www.ni.tama.ac.jp www.ispp.jp An article submitted to the Global Information
Society Watch Report 2011, to be published by Association for Progressive Communications
6. http://pt.esacproject.net/sites/intranet.esacproject.net/files/yapdisastermanagementdevelo
pmenticts.pdf
7. https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/documents/files/nepal_earthqu
ake
8. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34715962