Communication

L&T Smart World’s Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) helped Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Governments avert loss of life during Clyclone Yaas.

Odisha EWDS Project :

The EWDS is essentially a communication network deployed across 22 coastal blocks of Odisha connecting a State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) with 6 District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOC), 22 Block Emergency Operation Centres (BEOC), 14 Fish Landing Centres (FLC), and 113 Cyclone Shelters. The project was designed, supplied, installed, tested, commissioned, and is currently being maintained for a period of five years by L&T Smart World.

Using the system which integrates various communication technologies including Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), Satellite Based Mobile Data Voice Terminal (SBMDV), Mass Messaging System, Alert Tower Siren Systems, and Universal Communication Interface, the authorities were able to disseminate critical and urgent information to the people in the coastal regions most affected by Yaas as well as engage with disaster management officials, relief workers and volunteers to minimize loss of lives.

On intimation of “YAAS” cyclone building up in the Bay of Bengal and its effects on coastal areas of Orissa, all the equipment at site were tested and ensured to be in standby working conditions and the same was confirmed to respective DEOC officials (Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur). The following activities were completed as a preparedness measure to combat the cyclone :

• All SBMDVTs were recharged, and apps were downloaded to the mobile of SRC, ARC and DPO and Emergency officers.
• DMR connectivity between site to SEOC was checked twice and other emergency staffs at site were also trained to use the DMR.
• ATS systems were checked and were ready to disseminate alert and live voice whenever instructed by competent authority.
• MMS was loaded with phone Nos. of all the support services and was ready to send messages within a click.
• UCI was kept on standby for use if required to be used for making conference calls.
• The SEOC was manned round the clock with 2 manpower in each shift. In DEOC, it was ensured that our manpower was available on 24X7 basis.

The project team was equipped to handle all challenges and instructions from SEOC / DEOC officials on the cyclone movement.

• As instructed by State Emergency Office, alert tones were played at an hourly interval in all five coastal districts, which are expected to be affected by cyclone YAAS.
• State Emergency Office live announcements were made directing people to vacate their homes and shift to a nearby cyclone shelter.
• These announcements were made in five coastal districts which were expected to be affected by cyclone YAAS.
• SRC monitored the preparedness:

AP EWDS Project:

On receipt of information from APSDMA regarding the presence of “YAAS” Cyclone in the Bay of Bengal and its possible impact on 3 coastal districts i.e. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Vishakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh. Following activities were completed as a part of preparedness measures to handle Cyclone YAAS.

• DMR connectivity between site to SEOC & SEOC to DEOC/MEOC & to MPCS was established and was available on standby for usage.
• Siren systems were triggered and predefined messages across 3 coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. Our team demonstrated the systems’ effective operations to APSDMA Officials on Siren activation and on ATS System Operations.
• Contact details of respective MRO’s & VRO’s were stored in UMS applications.
• Alert from APSDMA was received as - “In view of cyclonic storm YAAS you are requested to be alert and take necessary precautionary measures”.
• On receipt of the message from APSDMA, we sent the request to Vodafone DLT for template approval. After receiving approval, the message was sent to concerned officials.

Messages to MRO (3 Districts)

• Messages to VRO in Srikakulam Dt.

• Messages to VRO in Vizianagaram and Vishakhapatnam districts Dt.

• The SEOC/DEOC was manned in general shift and we were geared for manning DEOC around 24X7 if required.
• Fuel was made available in MEOC and DEOC as Backup power.
• L&T Smart World & APSDMA team monitored the preparedness

The project Teams were appreciated by the officials for operationalising the EWDS and helping the authorities in successfully managing the natural disaster and saving precious lives.