Airtel, BSNL and Vodafone Idea Offer Free Data to Aid Communication in Wayanad Landslide Aftermath

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/2nd August 2024

In response to the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, Airtel and Vodafone Idea are stepping up their support for affected residents by providing free mobile data and extending service benefits. The recent landslides have severely impacted the region, leading to significant infrastructure damage and widespread disruption.

The Indian government has reported that telecom infrastructure in Wayanad has been significantly enhanced to ensure reliable communication for rescue teams, government officials, and the public. The Ministry of Communications has activated control rooms, relief distribution centers, and emergency response teams to assist residents and manage the crisis effectively.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been active in the recovery efforts, providing 4G services in areas severely affected by the landslides, including Chooralmala and Mundakkai. Diesel engines have been deployed to keep communication towers operational during power outages. Additionally, the district administration has been given expedited internet access, and toll-free numbers have been set up for the Health Department to facilitate communication.

In a show of solidarity, Airtel has introduced a comprehensive support plan for its prepaid customers in the affected areas. The company is offering 1GB of free mobile data per day, along with unlimited calling and 100 SMS per day for three days to those whose prepaid plans have expired and cannot be recharged. Furthermore, Airtel has extended bill payment deadlines for its postpaid customers by an additional 30 days to ensure they have uninterrupted access to their services.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is also contributing to the relief efforts by providing 1GB of free mobile data per day for seven days to its prepaid customers in the disaster-stricken areas. This additional data will be automatically credited to users’ accounts, helping them stay connected with family and access critical information during this challenging time. For its postpaid customers, Vodafone Idea has extended the bill payment due dates by 10 days.

The landslide disaster in Wayanad has had a tragic impact, with reports indicating at least 297 fatalities and 200 individuals still missing. The natural calamity has led to the destruction of numerous homes and infrastructures. In response, more than 8,000 people have been safely evacuated and are currently residing in 82 relief camps set up across the district.

The proactive measures taken by Airtel and Vodafone Idea are crucial in ensuring that communication channels remain open during this period of crisis. By providing free data and extending service benefits, these telecom operators are playing a vital role in supporting the affected communities and aiding in the overall relief and recovery efforts.

As the situation in Wayanad continues to develop, the combined efforts of the government, telecom companies, and emergency response teams are pivotal in managing the immediate needs of the residents and facilitating effective communication during this challenging period.