19 July 2019
One VSAT communications system was installed in Matarara, from which relief operations to surrounding communities were conducted
PCCW Global and Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) have received official recognition from the Mozambique National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) for their combined and ongoing mission to provide critical communications services following the two tropical cyclones which recently hit the country.
One VSAT communications system was installed in the Matarara coordination centre, from which relief operations to five surrounding communities were conducted.
A second VSAT was also installed at the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) cholera treatment centre in Mafambisse.
A further two VSATs provided by PCCW Global have been handed over to Mozambique’s INGC, enabling the organisation to rapidly deploy critical communications for any similar emergency in the country.
The cyclone also devastated the region’s electricity and communications infrastructure, frustrating disaster response teams that require effective communications in order to coordinate emergency services and relief efforts. Beira city itself suffered extensive damage, with almost 80 per cent of the economic infrastructure destroyed.
One month later, Mozambique was struck by yet another tropical cyclone, Kenneth, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people, displacing a further 21,000, and again damaging infrastructure critical for rescue and relief efforts.
“PCCW Global’s prompt reaction and instrumental aid, since the beginning of our operations in the country, have been essential for the positive impact of our mission for the affected population,” said Jean-François Cazenave, chairman, Télécoms Sans Frontières. “The situation on the ground has been very difficult since the beginning, with isolated areas hard to reach and a significant need for rapid telecommunication connections. The contribution of PCCW Global’s team on the ground has thus been very important for the success of TSF’s operations.”
