Last week, b-mobile subscribers in Bhutan received a message that cell broadcasting had been enabled on the system. It was the same week LIRNEasia recommended that cell broadcasting was the best option for effecting public warning in the mountainous country that is vulnerable to massive flash floods known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Bhutan is also building massive dams with India’s help. Thought must be given to the effects of dam breaks, even if all precautions are taken to make sure the dams are well maintained and designed to survive the effects of earthquakes. Here cell broadcasting will have to be deployed in collaboration with India, because those living downstream of these dams are primarily Indians.
There was no causal connection. And the rest of the machinery for making cell broadcasting an effective public warning mechanism is not in place, yet. But we are confident the seed that we planted will bear fruit.
The slideset is here.
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