Page 41 - The Channel Issue 2 2010

THE CHANNEL | ISSUE 2 2010 | 41

facility faced a daunting challenge when heavy rains hit the Nakhon Sawan province. The Thai authorities were forced to divert the flood waters from dams in the north to protect the population of Bangkok and other urban areas. However, as a result, the transmitting station was in the direct path of the diverted flood waters and desperate action was needed to protect the site and staff, with the building facing the prospect of major damage. Hundreds of tons of sand were packed into bags to protect site buildings and inside doors were sealed and additional barriers erected.

RISING TIDE

Once the flood waters began to rise there was nothing more staff could do as the site was breached and eventually the safety of the equipment was compromised. There was no alternative but to cease all broadcasts. Plans had already been made to find alternative ways to transmit in appropriate quality and the decision to close the site triggered the VT planned emergency response.

Within 30 minutes, all on-air transmissions had been placed at alternative VT transmitting stations and the VT Scheduling team also identified a long-term mitigation plan for the station’s closure – initially predicted at a minimum of several days and then running to several weeks.

REINFORCEMENTS

Site staff even enlisted the help of the Thai army who worked with volunteer staff to reinforce the sand-bag wall, operate the pumps and control water ingress. Maintaining power to the building was essential to prevent on-going damage to equipment and buildings that could have incurred replacement costs running into millions of pounds.

Fortunately, the building stood secure until the waters subsided

and a clean-up plan was put in place, using local staff to ensure a cost-effective and efficient solution. Subsequent work upgraded flood defences, including the re-design and re-laying of drains around the station to control any ingress of water better,

strengthening the perimeter wall and raising the height of equipment in the antenna field. These actions will reduce the risks in the event of future flooding, enhancing the station’s ability to remain on air.

BEYOND THE CALL

VT Group General Manager Communications John Prior explained: “Inspirational leadership and great teamwork avoided a potential disaster. Although there was a threat to the homes of many staff, they remained on site to lead the efforts there. If the water had entered the building, it would have affected the equipment. BBC transmissions from the site would have been off air for months and the financial costs of repair would have been enormous. The response of the staff was really beyond the call of duty.”

In recognition of the help offered by local teams, VT and the BBC made financial and other aid donations including fresh water, canned foods, rice and sandbags to the local flood aid centre for

distribution to the neighbouring population.

EFFORTS REWARDED

At the 2010 BBC Global News Reith Awards in London, which celebrate excellence, innovation and creativity, VT was recognised for its exceptional efforts, dedication and commitment in protecting the BBC Asia relay station in Thailand from severe flooding and maintaining transmission by winning the “Professional Services” Award. This is not the only time that VT has triumphed at the Reith Awards. In 2009, VT jointly won, alongside the BBC World Services’ Duty Operations Managers, the “Team of the Year – Professional and Support Services” Award, the first time an external supplier had triumphed at the event. ■

TECHNOLOGY | THE CHANNEL

Main Image: TheBBC Thailand relay station under water Above: Rowing across the flooded site Below: The BBC GlobalNews Reith Awards: from left Nigel Fry, Head of Distribution, BBC Global News; Sukanya Choophudsa, Admin Officer, VT Group; Annie Lennox; George Alagiah; Sukhontha Saisangtong; Senior Engineer, VT Group; Margaret Keane Head of Customer Relations, VT Group