Source: DD News
Context: Cuts to undersea internet cables in the Red Sea disrupted connectivity across Asia and the Middle East, affecting major subsea systems like SMW4 and IMEWE, leading to slowdowns in India and neighbouring regions.
About Red Sea:
- What it is?
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- A narrow inland sea forming part of the rift valley system between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Known for its strategic importance as a global trade and shipping route, linking to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal and to the Arabian Sea via Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Neighbouring Nations: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
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- Extends about 1,930 km southeastward from Suez (Egypt) to Bab el-Mandeb (Yemen).
- Jordan and Israel have coastlines on the Gulf of Aqaba.
- Features:
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- Geology: Lies in a rift depression, still geologically active with volcanic and seismic activity.
- Unique water conditions: Among the hottest and saltiest seas; supports rich coral reef ecosystems.
- Economic importance: One of the world’s busiest maritime corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
About Undersea (Submarine) Cables:
- What it is?
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- Fiber-optic cables laid on seabeds that carry the vast majority (~95%) of international data traffic across continents.
- Features:
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- Composition: Bundles of glass fibers enclosed in protective layers and each fiber transmits data using pulses of light.
- Capacity: High-speed, low-latency connectivity enabling global internet, cloud services, and international communication.
- Vulnerability: Susceptible to breakage from natural disasters, anchor drags, earthquakes, or sabotage.
