If you listen between the lines of reportage following the London bombings, you can detect how parts of that city react quicker than any municipal authority in Ireland. The city reacts smarter because of some technology used to help the population survive events like terrorist attacks.
More from [IrishEyes] :
- “Smart CCTV. Around the prime business district and government offices stand intelligent CCTV displays. The closer you get to Canary Wharf, the more you can see–meaning there are many more in cloaked locations. If a bomber leaves the London Underground around the prime nodes of transport, industry and government, a smart camera will record the movement.
- Smart Mobile Telephony Handovers. In London, one part of the response plan calls for the mobile phone networks to be shut down to customers because terrorists use mobile phones to trigger bombs. This can be invoked under the Access Overload scheme if directed by the command and control authority. Make a call on a mobile phone from a London street corner without holding the phone to your ear and a smart CCTV camera might notice your technique.
- Smart Transport. London has no qualms about shutting down all transport during an emergency. If you use wheels to go anywhere–even a bicycle–you will be catalogued for future reference. Intelligent CCTV cameras recorded all traffic movement in centre city London and if you drove, you parked within a mile of turning on your ignition.”
Officials have said that the casualty count is now most certainly up to over 50 fatalities, with a lot of bodies still to be recovered from the subway. Over 700 people have been wounded, about 30 very very seriously. 350 people have been taken to surrounding hospitals, 350 have been treated on the spot.
Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to the victims of the blasts on London public transport yesterday.