LONDON: Damage to undersea cables in the Red Sea has caused significant disruptions in global telecommunications networks, leading internet providers to reroute a substantial portion of traffic between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Hong Kong-based telecoms company HGC Global Communications reported that cables belonging to four major telecom networks have been severed, resulting in considerable disruptions in communication networks across the Middle East. HGC estimates that approximately 25% of traffic between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East has been affected by the damage.
In response to the crisis, HGC has initiated rerouting measures to mitigate disruptions for its customers while extending assistance to affected businesses. However, the company did not specify the cause of the cable damage or identify responsible parties.
Among the affected networks is the Europe India Gateway, a cable spanning 15,000 kilometers between Europe, the Middle East, and India. Additionally, the Asia-Africa-Europe cable system, which stretches 25,000 kilometers and connects Southeast Asia to Europe via Egypt, has also suffered damage.
