Cyclone Nilofar, categorised as "severe" by weather forecasters, is expected to hit the western state of Gujarat during the "next 24-48 hours".
Department of Telecom (DoT) has warned various operators about the services in the targeted areas viz districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagarh and Porbandar and advised them to share infrastructure through intra-circle roaming arrangements for 15 days. DoT also advised operators to set up call center in Gujarat with helpline number 1948 where people could call to trace missing persons and other services.
In a letter dated October 27, DoT said- "All access providers are hereby directed to take steps for immediate maintenance and restoration of telecommunication facilities in these areas and to facilitate the knowledge of well being of relatives in these areas." Some Operators 'may' include free services and call centre in the prone areas like they did in the recent hazards viz. Hudhud and the recent Jammu and Kashmir floods.
"Endeavour shall be made to provide wi-fi hotspots in relief camps being organised by respective state government on the lines of facilities provided during recent J&K floods" DoT added.
