The United Nations International Telecommunications Union (ITU) announced that the new radio-communication norms for satellite services, which could be utilized to save greater lives after natural calamities, have been sanctioned.

The agency's Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure stated, "Establishing communications in the aftermath of a disaster is vital to facilitate rapid and effective rescue and rehabilitation efforts."

Toure called on satellite operators and others in order to back up the growth of strong, wide-ranging, early admonition and relief systems to mitigate emergencies and catastrophes at the national, regional and global levels.

The suggestions comprise information on the range of radio frequencies, which can be utilized by fixed satellite systems for urgent situation and disaster relief operations.

Recognizing the urgent requirement for consistent telecom links following disasters, including the recent quakes in Haiti and Chile, ITU has joined worldwide efforts to set up satellite terminals and earth stations to reinstate basic communication links. (With Input from Agencies)