Emergency Communication System

The Mumbai blasts have once again exposed the complete absence of a national emergency communications system in the country. If you had any friends or family in Mumbai on 7/11, you will know how the telephone network all but collapsed that day. Both landline exchanges and mobile phone networks were overwhelmed. As on previous occasions like the attack on the Sankat Mochan Temple in Benares, people ended up sending text messages to TV channels in the hope that their loved ones would see them and know of their situation. That phones did not work on 7/11 is not surprising – the experience in London after 7/7 was similar. No matter how well-equipped, telephone exchanges and mobile networks can only handle a certain amount of call attempts and traffic at any given time.

In times of emergency, what is needed is a comprehensive information base that is accurate, reliable and easily accessible for all. There is a strong case for an Integrated Emergency Information/Communication System that would provide information in case of national, regional or local emergencies. The essential features of such a system would have to be cost-effectiveness, accessibility, good geographical coverage, short response time and ability to support multiple data sources. As such, existing technologies can be utilised to good effect, and the system need not be expensive or complicated. It would be best to put together a mix of fixed-line and mobile telephony, FM, TV, Internet and possibly WiFi so that in case of failure of one the others are still functional.

It would cater for two basic needs. First, it would provide emergency alerts and information to the public at large. This could be done via broadcast systems, which is not difficult considering that the government already runs FM and TV channels. Ideally there should be a designated channel or frequency, known to all members of public. Second, it would provide specific information to individual members of the public. This could be done through emergency telephone lines, whose numbers should be properly advertised, and through an online information network that individuals could plug into. Whatever method is chosen should be standardised and well advertised, so that the public knows where to look for information in case of an emergency.