Kiwis to provide first IT and telecommunications response in a disaster

A team of trained Kiwis could be the first to provide IT and telecommunications support to a disaster-affected country in Asia or the Pacific, thanks to some new Red Cross equipment.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent is storing a set of IT and telecommunications equipment in New Zealand, which will allow New Zealand Red Cross to train an all-Kiwi emergency response unit.

New Zealand Red Cross telecommunications manager Matthew Lloyd says that the unit will be a first for the Asia Pacific region.

"Currently there are only three Red Cross and Red Crescent IT and telecommunications emergency response units worldwide, and all of those are located in Europe.

"Considering that the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, it's important that we have the ability to respond quickly within our own region."

The European emergency response units have been mobilised to respond to a range of disasters, from the tsunami through to the Pakistan earthquake.

The International Federation's equipment includes some technology that is not yet available in New Zealand, such as broadband satellite phones.

There are also the basics, such as HF radios, for countries where newer technologies are not available, or unreliable.

"Basically, a team of trained Kiwis will go in and set up an IT and telecommunications system when the infrastructure has been destroyed.

"This will enable the Red Cross to get aid in more quickly and effectively, as well as allowing those affected to get in touch with their family members."

Those who are involved with the emergency response unit will require extensive training before it can be recognised internationally, so for now New Zealand Red Cross will be responsible for storing and sending out the equipment to disaster-affected areas.

"And of course, if a disaster hits New Zealand, we will have the equipment right on hand," Mr Lloyd says.

ENDS

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