Building Resilient Telecommunications Infrastructure For Cyclone Disaster Management: Lessons From Cyclone Biparjoy

Cyclones can have devastating impacts on both human lives and critical infrastructure, including telecommunications systems. Resilient telecom infrastructure is crucial for enabling communication between citizens and first responders during the rescue and recovery phases following a cyclone disaster. This research paper examines the role of telecommunications infrastructure across the different phases of disaster management, from mitigation to recovery. It explores the requirements for building resilient telecom systems that can withstand the impacts of cyclones. Through a case study of Cyclone Biparjoy, which made landfall in India in June 2023, the paper proposes a strategic framework for developing a disaster-resilient telecommunications infrastructure for cyclone-prone regions. The framework addresses key considerations such as network redundancy, backup power systems, rapid damage assessment capabilities, and coordination with emergency management agencies. By implementing the proposed framework, telecom providers and government agencies can enhance the resilience of critical communications infrastructure against cyclone disasters, ultimately saving lives and expediting recovery efforts.