The Digital Ministry (MODA) successfully used low-orbit satellite equipment for the first time in the Hualien disaster area. This is to not only assist with the communication of search-and-rescue workers, but also help to provide real-time transmission of road conditions in the disaster area.
After Taiwan’s 7.2 earthquake on April 3, the MODA dispatched emergency network mobile vehicles to assist with communication in the area. These vehicles used low and mid-orbit satellite receivers, to provide public Wi-Fi. However, due to the conditions in the area, the coverage was not complete. While the ministry thought they would have to wait longer for full coverage, the results of the recent activation have been better than expected.
The arrival of the low-orbit satellites last Saturday, enabled disaster relief images to be conveyed, as well as letting trapped and rescued people contact their families to let them know they were safe.
MODA Deputy Minister Herming Chiueh (闕河鳴) says that because the disaster area is a canyon there are still issues in the application process to be addressed.
With plans to build more than 700 base stations across Taiwan, MODA will closely collaborate with the fire department to optimize the use of this technology for future disasters.