SpaceX, billionaire Elon Musk’s company, and Italian insurer Unipol Gruppo have agreed to join forces to help people affected by floods in northern Italy connect to the Internet, facilitating rescue operations, according to the Reuters news agency.
Torrential rains devastated the eastern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, killing 14 people, causing billions of euros in damage and affecting the agricultural sector in particular.
Some 36,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and many of those who remained in the flooded areas have no electricity. Relief operations are hampered by still rough weather and disrupted phone connections.
As part of its agreement detailed in a statement from the Italian insurer, Unipol has acquired Starlink satellite internet terminals from SpaceX and will make them available to rescuers, hospitals and the public. SpaceX is positioning its satellites to prioritize the Emilia-Romagna region and improve coverage.
“SpaceX, Starlink and Tesla are pleased to be able to help Italy and those affected by the flooding,” Elon Musk said in a statement.
Source: BFM TV
