When disasters hit, coordinating the logistics of on-site aid isn’t always a feasible task. Communications are often impaired making it next to impossible to effectively communicate with relief teams. With the help of communication technologies, the nature of emergency and disaster response is changing and video communication, in particular, has shown to play an increasingly important role in these efforts.
Earlier this winter Chennai, a city in eastern India, had record-setting rainfall and was hit with the worst flooding of the last 100 years. Chennai was nearly underwater. The community was limited access to basic supplies like milk, water and vegetables. Apart from the basic necessities, fuel supplies and travel were also greatly affected, making it difficult for relief efforts to supply adequate medical care.
Disaster relief campsite in Chennai with Vidyo-powered telemedicine
To help victims without means of travel and in need of medical consultation, Vidyo provided CURA with access to videoconferencing they could use to provide physician services remotely. Doctors were able to conduct interactive, HD quality appointments, despite variable Internet connections and low bandwidth, using Vidyo’s patented technology. Over the course of a month more than 100 stranded flood victims were able to consult with doctors and nurses to get the care they so desperately needed.
Doctor consulting with victims at a disaster relief camp in Chennai
The ability to leverage video communications for disaster relief can be truly transformative. We wish the community of Chennai a swift recovery.
For more information on Vidyo in India, read this blog post.
