What is most common communication system during disaster?

Answer 1

This is a very difficult question to answer because it depends upon the geographical area affected (this will determine the infrastructure already in place) and then the nature and magnitude of the disaster (e.g. earthquake, tornado, flood, blizzard, nuclear disaster, hurricane, volcano eruption, fire etc) and the effect this has on that infrastructure (e.g. loss of power, loss of telephone/internet, loss of mobile reception, collapse of road network etc) and then ultimately on what resources are available by governments and local communities to resolve the communication challenges. Power is often cited as the main component associated with the mitigation (use of other communication systems) and recovery of the different communication systems. The list below is an attempt to list the different types of communications systems that could be used in a disaster: (1) existing wireline/fibre optic phones and cables are in place; (2) existing mobile/cell phone technologies; (3) amateur radio communication systems; (4) governmental, military and disaster relief communications systems; (5) satellite communications systems; (6) business infrared or microwave systems (if available); (7) standard television and/or radio systems (one way communications); (8) people travelling using vehicles on roads; (9) people travelling of bikes; (10) people walking between places.