(abstract from AIT Myanmar trip report prepared by Wit Hmone Tin Latt, intERLab/AIT)

Two coordinators from Asian Institute of Technology visited Yangon, Myanmar on 30th May, and reported back that DUMBO is now scheduled to be launched on 15 June 2008. 

Five Townships will be connected and communicated through IPStar satellite link. Myanmar Egress (ME) has managed to secure 6 IPStar Stations for deploying DUMBO into five hardest-hit areas such as Bogalay, Phyar Pon, Dedaye and Laputta which will have another sub-station either in Malamyaing Gyun or Pyinsalu, whereas the headquarter or the command and control center will be stationed at the ME Head office in Yangon. Sahana registry server will be kept in the Myanmar Teleport. ME will open a resource center which acts as a venue for all relief organizations and the local NGOs to communicate instantly in the mode of video conferencing, text messaging and VoIP etc. with their field offices in disaster areas through DUMBO system.

ME has been running their operation with the help of about 400 volunteers including ME alumni. Data has been collected from more than 80 villages and these are being keyed in into the Sahana system for sharing and data management among relief operation groups. ME has already managed the funding for 4 out of 6 IPStar Stations, and is looking for more funding support for 2 stations which will cost about US$ 5,000 each.

The regular bandwidth in Myanmar is 128 kbps but it is already requested to expand up to 2 MB with the help of Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT).

More update can be found at AIT's Myanmar Cyclone 2008 site, and Nargis Action Group . 

Requirement on GPS unit (abstract from AIT Myanmar trip report)

There are many small villages which cannot be still reached out by aid organizations and local NGOs due to their locations and geographically inaccessible by land but by boats only. The speedboats are used by very limited numbers of aid organizations but local NGOs can only utilize long-tailed boats to distribute foods and supplies to the victims on daily basis. Fuel prices and boat rentals are also high. Relief operations over there are really tough due to extreme weather in the areas and lack of infrastructure. As it is rainy reason, strong wind and heavy rains are there almost every day. Relief workers and volunteers have faced many difficulties because of high and low tide which makes them lost their way back after visiting the remote villages for food and supplies distribution. It would be grateful if relief workers can be equipped with GPS units – one unit for one group. 4~5 Units are needed immediately but need many more in later stage.