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Why undersea cables are critical infrastructure | UNDRR
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UNDRR - United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
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United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
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Geneva
🌐 The internet depends on cables hidden deep beneath the ocean.
Undersea cables carry 99% of global internet traffic, making them one of the world’s most critical pieces of infrastructure.
⚠️ But when disaster strikes, the impacts can be huge.
🌍 In 2006, the Pingtung earthquake damaged cables near Taiwan, disrupting internet access across Southeast Asia and affecting global markets.
🌋 In 2022, a volcanic eruption near Tonga left the country isolated for weeks after undersea cables were damaged.
📡 When these cables fail:
• Communication slows or stops
• Economies are disrupted
• Communities can become isolated
💡 Protecting and strengthening communication infrastructure is essential for a resilient future.
