Vodafone Foundation deploys Instant Network Emergency Response to Jamaica

Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network Emergency Response team have landed in Jamaica. The team of highly trained Instant Network Emergency Response volunteer will be helping to restore free, vital connectivity for aid agencies, emergency services and local people.

Vodafone Foundation has been working closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) as part of their telecoms response to hurricane Melissa.

The team of seven volunteers from the UK and Netherlands will be in Jamaica for around two weeks. They have connected with the NGO REACT and are working closely with CDEMA and UN OHCA to deploy connectivity and charging kits in the most effective way possible across the island.

Lisa Felton, Managing Director of Vodafone Foundation said: "The scenes that we are seeing in Jamaica are devasting, and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. Communication in the immediate aftermath of a disaster is crucial to support those affected, assess damage and coordinate rescue and relief efforts. It also allows people to pick up the phone and tell their family and friends that they are safe.

Justin Waller, Director of Emergency Response, Vodafone Foundation said: "While in Jamaica, the team aim to be self-sufficient, from food to fuel, so that they don’t detract from local resources. They are now working hard to get connectivity and charging stations set up to support the emergency services, aid agencies, search and rescue teams, and local people who we know are desperate to contact their loved ones."

Find out more about Instant Network Emergency Response here.