[SatNews] Satellite equipment and engineers have been deployed to Nepal to help reconnect the region as disaster recovery continues following the major earthquake.
The 7.9 magnitude earthquake, which hit Nepal's capital Kathmandu and its surrounding areas on Saturday, April 25, has claimed thousands of lives and rescue efforts are underway. Nepal’s telecommunications infrastructure was also destroyed, further hindering relief efforts. In order to assist the recovery operations,
Thaicom PLC has now deployed a satellite communications network to be set up in the affected areas, along with an engineering team to get the system up and running so vital communications can be reinstated.
Suphajee Suthumpan, Chairman of the Executive Committee and CEO, said, “Everyone at Thaicom is praying for the victims and their families and we share our heartfelt sympathy and condolences for the massive life losses and damages resulting from the Nepal earthquake, much of which is still emerging. During crises such as these, satellite is often the only system available for vital communications and this system will provide the first means of communications since the earthquake. We hope it goes some way towards alleviating the suffering and helping with the continued search and rescue efforts, as well as enabling individuals to contact friends and relatives.”
This communications network has been delivered in conjunction with partners from various sectors, such as Thaicom’s country representatives, business partners and government agencies from domestic and international alliance. Thaicom has provided assistance after numerous disasters, such as the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2011 and both the China and Christchurch earthquakes, among others. When Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November 2013, Thaicom provided satellite communications and instigated a support network among various business partners. It sent experts to install communications equipment for victims and officials to use in the affected areas. THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR), a high throughput satellite, provided critical services such as Internet and telephone communications in the disaster zones.
