News

Experts gather to step up telecommunications in emergencies

December 7, 2018 11:10 am

The third Annual Pacific Regional Emergency Telecommunications Cluster workshop in Pacific Harbour

In any disaster, telecommunications capacity is crucial in ensuring life-changing decisions can be made quickly to save lives and property.

This was highlighted by Minister for Disaster Management and Meteorological service, Jone Usamate during the third Annual Pacific Regional Emergency Telecommunications Cluster workshop in Pacific Harbour.

Usamate says having a clear set of standard operating procedures bolsters early warning systems and enables Pacific emergency responders to respond quickly and effectively.

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The workshop saw over 40 participants from across the Pacific, with an aim to identify best practices and innovative solutions from across the region and train local responders in at-risk countries.

Participants included National Disaster Management Offices, government ministries, NGOs, the Red Cross, the private sector, academics and UN agencies, with a focus on adapting regional initiatives at the country level.

The ETC Cluster is a global network of organizations that work together to provide shared communications services in humanitarian emergencies, and support the development of country-level coordination mechanisms relating to disaster communications.

The event was hosted by United Nations World Food Programme in partnership with the Fijian Government.