Ahmet Hamdi Atalay, General Manager of TÜRKSAT AŞ, said that TÜRKSAT ensures communication in Türkiye during disasters with its satellites.
Pointing out that TÜRKSAT satellites are the only guarantee of Türkiye's communications security when terrestrial infrastructures are completely silent in times of disasters such as earthquakes, floods and forest fires, Atalay said: “Communication in disaster management is a vital necessity. We have the entire communications network of strategic institutions such as the Presidency of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, the Gendarmerie General Command and the General Directorate for forestry.” (OGM) into space, we create an impenetrable digital shield against disasters.
Atalay explained that as TÜRKSAT, they ensure Türkiye's digital and strategic security from space and pointed out the importance of satellite communications in disaster management.
Stating that satellite systems are the only key to coordination in times of crisis when terrestrial infrastructures are completely silent, Atalay said: “Communication satellite infrastructure is important. Communication in the disaster zone is not just a technology, it is the thin line between life and death. Knowing that our satellites are the lifeblood of communication at the heart of disasters, we are mobilizing our resources.” he said.
Stating that Türkiye continues to work to maintain uninterrupted communications during all kinds of disasters and emergencies with its huge communications fleet of six satellites, Atalay emphasized that satellite technologies are the bastion of national security in the most critical moments when disasters such as earthquakes, floods and fires destroy the fiber optic lines on the ground and destroy base stations.
“The service provided by TÜRKSAT is the national responsibility”
Stating that the importance of communication in disaster management is evident in every situation, Atalay pointed out that this service provided by TÜRKSAT is a “national responsibility” that goes far beyond commercial capacity.
Explaining that the destructive power of disasters can cripple all physical networks on the ground within seconds, Atalay continued:
“However, TÜRKSAT satellites reach every point, from the steepest mountains to the deepest valleys of Turkey, from a height that cannot be affected by the disaster on site. If there is no communication in the disaster area, there is no intervention, no hope. We keep our state's reflexes alive with the unshakable bridges we build from space. In the event of an earthquake or flood, the eyes and ears of our AFAD teams are on the ground the flowing digital data Through our satellites, the TÜRKSAT satellites are the loudest voice of this nation in its most difficult time.
Atalay pointed out that the field mobility of AFAD, which is the coordination center especially in major disasters such as earthquakes and floods, is entrusted to TÜRKSAT satellites, and said that a total of 99 small satellite terminals (VSAT) were installed in mobile vehicles and strategic centers within AFAD.
Atalay emphasized that the collapse of terrestrial lines creates a huge coordination gap as seconds race by in situations such as earthquakes and floods, saying: “We have closed this gap with our satellite fleet. Our AFAD teams, thanks to our satellite internet, can share live images with the coordination center and manage search and rescue operations immediately, even at the start of a wreck where the terrestrial network has completely collapsed.” gave his assessment.
TÜRKSAT satellites ensure coordination during forest fires
Atalay also stated that communication was used as a “fighting element” in the fight against forest fires that threatened the lungs of Türkiye in the summer months, and that it was almost impossible to extinguish the fires without coordination.
Atalay emphasized the crucial role of the 21 VSAT terminals installed in GDF units and explained that the uninterrupted communication of the heroes of the forest in the field was ensured by TÜRKSAT satellites.
Atalay said they have provided communications security in all areas, from public order to humanitarian assistance, to strengthen the hands of teams on the ground.
In this regard, Atalay explained that the 240 satellite terminals made available to the General Command of the Gendarmerie are of great importance for maintaining public order and providing humanitarian assistance in emergency situations, making the following assessment:
“We have established an uninterrupted service network in every corner of Türkiye with 87 terminals provided to the Turkish Red Crescent within the framework of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's 'Universal Project', which coordinates relief activities in the event of a disaster. Our satellites are not just technological devices, they are representatives of the power, the compassionate hand and the unshakable will of this state in space.”
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