Gandhinagar, July 31 (IANS) Gujarat’s State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has sent more than 286.4 crore SMS alerts to citizens through the SACHET early warning system while functioning as the state’s round-the-clock command centre for disaster management, coordinating relief and rescue operations during emergencies ranging from earthquakes and cyclones to floods and heavy rainfall.
Officials said the SEOC, based in Gandhinagar, forms the core of the state’s disaster management framework and operates continuously to coordinate emergency response across Gujarat through real-time monitoring, communication and inter-agency coordination.
The system was strengthened after the 2001 Kutch earthquake, which prompted the state authorities to overhaul its disaster management mechanisms.
The SEOC now functions as the state’s central command and control hub for both natural and man-made disasters, overseeing preparedness before emergencies and coordinating relief and rescue operations when disasters occur.
Maintaining communication during emergencies is one of the Centre’s key responsibilities. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, the SEOC uses multiple communication platforms, including the Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN) hotline, satellite phones, landlines, email, WhatsApp and social media.
During the monsoon, it also relies on police wireless networks and amateur (Ham) radio systems as alternative communication channels.
Officials said the SACHET portal plays a central role in disseminating timely warnings by sending mass SMS alerts to residents in affected areas. According to official figures, more than 286.4 crore SMS alerts have been issued through the system so far.
The portal has also reached citizens through more than six crore mobile application users and over 5.3 lakh web browser users. The emergency response network extends across the state through 33 District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs), five Emergency Response Centres and 248 Taluka Emergency Operations Centres.
Supported by GSWAN connectivity and a 24-hour monitoring mechanism, these centres function under the guidance of the Relief Commissioner and the supervision of the Director of Relief.
The government has also made dedicated emergency helplines available for public assistance. Citizens can contact the state-level helpline numbers 51900 and 1070, while district-level assistance is available through the toll-free number 1077.
The SEOC coordinates with specialised agencies depending on the type of disaster. During earthquakes and seismic activity, it works with the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR).
For floods and cyclones, it coordinates with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Irrigation Department and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
In the event of a tsunami threat, it works jointly with the IMD, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the ISR.
The Centre also coordinates with the Agriculture Department during droughts and heatwaves, the Health and Family Welfare Department during disease outbreaks, the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) and the Labour and Employment Department during chemical accidents, and the Fire and Emergency Services for fire-related incidents.
To support emergency response, the state has kept 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 32 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on standby.
“Assistance from the Army, Air Force and Navy is also mobilised whenever required to strengthen relief and rescue operations,” officials added.
–IANS
mys/dpb
