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Les
secouristes sont souvent appelés à intervenir dans des zones isolées qui ne sont pas
desservies par des moyens de télécommunication, ou dans lesquelles les réseaux ont
été détruits. La coordination de l'aide et les communications entre secouristes
revêtent donc une importance capitale pour la fourniture rapide d'une assistance dans les
zones qui en ont le plus besoin. Les organismes d'aide ont de plus en plus recours à de
nouveaux types d'équipements de télécommunication par satellite pour établir une base
de communication dans les zones sinistrées. Ce matériel permet aux équipes d'échanger
des messages sur le terrain et de communiquer au niveau international avec le siège. Station terrienne mobile de type STD-A pouvant être installée
très rapidement en cas de catastrophe naturelle |
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In large-scale
disasters such as an earthquake, rapid co-ordination of rescue efforts is vital. Teams use
specially trained dogs, and keep in contact with each other and the on-site operations
centre via walkie-talkies. Effective use of all available resources is essential - the
chances of finding people alive beneath the rubble and debris decreases with each passing
minute. Earthquake in Mexico, 1985 |
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Embarking on an
international relief project requires expert logistical planning and a high-level of
preparedness. Essential telecommunications equipment is packed in trunks ready for
immediate deployment on the ground. Usually, a range of equipment is chosen - satellite
phones, radio systems, and so on - to ensure that, whatever the state of the fixed line
network in the disaster zone, some form of communications will be possible.
Transportability is also a key factor. Equipment must be able to be moved quickly and
easily, while at the same time remain operational to keep the lines of communication open.
Satellite phones and mobile cellular systems are small and easily portable, while radio
can be used in the form of hand-held walkie-talkies or mounted inside workers' vehicles. La chaîne Suisse de Sauvetage preparing for a mission |
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New types of
satellite telecommunications systems, known as 'Global Mobile Personal Communications by
Satellite', will soon make international phone calls possible from anywhere in the world,
even in the absence of a fixed line telecommunications infrastructure. Using new types of
Low- and Medium- Earth Orbiting satellites, users will be able to send and receive voice
and fax messages, and even use their phones to send and receive data via their laptop
computer. These new systems promise to aid greatly in international relief efforts,
particularly in regions where a local phone system is absent, or has been destroyed. Satellite-based mobile handsets |
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Refugee camps are
often located far away from communications centres. Relief agencies like the Red Cross use
portable communications such as satellite phones and radiocommunications equipment to keep
in touch with their local delegations in the region, and with their headquarters in
Geneva. Nyarushishi Camp in Rwanda |
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Keeping track of
people during a large-scale exodus is difficult, but essential for ensuring that aid can
be delivered to the most needy areas, and for facilitating the tracing and reunion of
families once the crisis is over. Reliable on-the-ground communications are vital for
monitoring the movement of communities, and for relaying information back to local
headquarters so that relief supplies can be prepared and sent as quickly as possible.
Communications links also bring the news of such events to the attention of the rest of
the world, which can contribute to the relief effort and, in the case of political
refugees, exert pressure on governments to alleviate the situation. Rwandan refugees crossing into Zaire |
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HF and VHF radio
equipment is one of the mainstays of international relief efforts. Used widely by every
agency involved in humanitarian assistance, radio systems are portable, and, most
importantly, reliable and disaster-resistant. Radiocommunications links often survive the
kinds of natural disasters - such as storms and earthquakes - which can leave other
telecommunications equipment disabled and out of action. Red Cross radio equipment |
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When rapid response
is required, such as in the case of an Earthquake, portable satellite telephones can
provide international communications, even if the public telephone network is no longer
working. Teams equipped with satellite phones can stay in touch, phoning-in damage reports
to a central base or lodging requests for assistance. The ability for team members to stay
in constant contact throughout the search and rescue operations can save many lives. Satellite telephone equipment |
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United Nations
peace-keeping forces radio contact with the outside world during the crisis in the Former
Yugoslavia. One of the most reliable telecommunications technologies, radio is frequently
used in international aid efforts because of its resistance to damage and large installed
user base. Forpronu in Sarajevo |
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United Nations
peace-keepers are often called upon to support international relief efforts. During the
Bosnian crisis, the UN peace-keeping forces played a key role in ensuring the security and
functioning of the airport at Sarajevo for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to that
city and its environs. Radio equipment in Sarajevo
airport tower run by the Forpronu |