Missions

The resumption of conflict between the Pakistani army and the Taliban in May 2009 forced more than 2 million people to flee northwest Pakistan. In very difficult security conditions (attacks, kidnappings), TSF provided more than 3,000 calls to civilians heavily affected and often injured by the violence. In such a context, talking with a loved one is priceless.

300 people lost their lives in the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that rocked Balochistan in October 2008. TSF assisted survivors by offering them a free call. 514 families were able to contact their relatives and give them news through the telephone calls organised by TSF.

TSF supported satellite communications and IT resource centres for humanitarian emergency operations following four hurricanes in Haiti.

Following Typhoon Durian, which swept the Philippines on 1 December, Télécoms Sans Frontières immediately mobilised its teams to strengthen the relief efforts and offer communications to the affected population. The team from the Asian regional base collaborated with the National Centre for Disaster Coordination (NDCC)

On February 17, a large landslide buried the village of Guisagon (Leyte) under several metres of mud affecting nearly 2,000 inhabitants. In the hours that followed, TSF dispatched a team of emergency telecommunications specialists from its Asia base in Bangkok, Thailand. Less than 48 hours after the disaster, TSF had installed a telecoms centre to the benefit of all United Nations Agencies, NGOs and national and international relief workers.

On 8th October 2005, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India suffered a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. The main affected areas are northwestern India, eastern Afghanistan and especially northern Pakistan. In Pakistan, heavy relief intervention is required, with primary assessments showing the need for a telecommunications service.

Three successive major typhoons mainly affected the province of Quezon - 75 km east of Manila. The intervention team from TSF, with the support of the NDCC, arrived in the city of Réal where it provided assistance to the population and rescue teams. This mission was co-funded by the European Commission.

Cyclone Jeanne hit Haiti on 18th September. Two days of heavy rains led to serious flooding in North West Haiti, principally affecting the town of Gonaives. At the time of the disaster, TSF was already mobilised on the island of Grenada since 13th September. A TSF team arrived on Haiti on 24th September and had be augmented one week later. The team was from this date operational to bring help and support to the victims as well as local and international NGOs.

TSF deployed to the Dominican Republic and Haiti following devastating floods to create emergency communications centres for relief agencies and the affected population

Although it is difficult to prevent risks, the preparation and investment in effective response mechanisms at regional and national levels limit the impact of humanitarian disasters. Haiti being regularly threatened by natural disasters, the collaboration between TSF and ANSH is part of an effective emergency response strategy.

On 25th November 2000, southern Thailand experienced the worst floods in 12 years which left 53 dead and one million affected in ten of the fourteen provinces of the country. TSF supported the Thai population and relief organisations.