Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala police has issued 26 satellite phones to 18 coastal police stations for flood relief work.
Bekal station has been given three satellite phones. The others are Arthunkal, Manakkakadavu, Beypore, Thalasserry, Thrikaripoor (two phones each); Vizhinjam, Anjutengu, Neendakara, Thottappally, Fort Kochi, Azhikode, Ponnani, Elathur, Vadakkara, Azhikkal and Kumbala (one each).
Satellite phone or satphone is connected to orbiting satellites and not to mobile towers and will have global access from the most remote areas. The clearance by the Union home ministry is mandatory for the use of satellite phone.
The DGP has also asked the state Crime Records Bureau and police telecommunication department to ensure communication facilities in affected areas. District police chiefs have been asked to contact the district collectors to ensure the services of ham operators for communication in remote areas.
Priority should be given to removing road blocks. The coastal jagratha samithis have been asked to ensure the support of fishermen in relief operations.
