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Communication during and immediately after a disaster situation is an important component of response and recovery, in that it connects affected people, families, and communities with first responders, support systems, and other family members. Reliable and accessible communication and information systems also are key to a community’s resilience. The role of communication technology has been recognized as integral to disaster management for a long time. Although application of communication technology has a role in all the four distinct phases of disaster management namely, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, most of the application has traditionally been in response and recovery phases. The new communication and information technologies that have emerged over the last two decades lend themselves to greater possibilities of integration of different communication systems. The interoperability of various communication systems including internet, mobile- phones, fax, e-mail, radio and television is increasingly becoming functional. As a result, the possibilities for application of communication technologies in mitigation and prevention of disasters are also increasing.
Communications for Disaster ManagementAll disaster emergencies and crisis events are by nature chaotic and highly dynamic, creating physical, emotional, and social disorder. In such crisis events and emergencies, communications is critical at all phases of disaster management. Communications during emergencies incorporates a wide range of measures to manage risks to communities and the environment. Before disasters strike, telecommunications can be used as a conduit for disseminating information about the impending danger thus, making it possible for people to take the necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of these hazards. Other telecommunication applications, including remote sensing and global positioning system (GPS), have critical roles to play in tracking approaching hazards, alerting authorities, warning affected populations, coordinating relief operations, assessing damages and mobilizing support for reconstruction. It is clear therefore that telecommunications play a pivotal role in disaster prevention, mitigation, and management. In times of natural calamity like floods, storms, cyclone, tsunami, fire etc. the usual mode of communication like phone, mobile etc might not work or might be lost in the calamity. The society at large must be well protected and the protection given by the police or disaster management forces must be instant and immediate. Thus the disaster management crew must be well trained and equipped with the best appliances which might help them to communicate the condition they are in and the status of the calamity in the region they work for.