Once the radio
enthusiast is awarded with a call-sign, a wide world is opened to him. He can carry
on experiments with various communication equipment and systems going deeper into the science
of electronics (Learning by Doing) and at the same time provide great service
to the people in general worldwide by way of organizing on-the-air emergency medical
traffic, establishing emergency communication network during natural calamities
like –flood, cyclone, storm, earthquake or any other disaster. Amateur
Radio stations act as the 'SECOND LINE' of communication when existing public or
government communication links fail to act.
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DISASTER
COMMUNICATION IN INDIA
life-saving facet
of amateur radio was demonstrated in India with valuable public service activities during
a Post & Telegraph strike in 1960, when radio amateurs passed important
messages for the public. In September 1979, during the flash floods at Morvi due
to the Machhu dam burst in Gujarat, more than a dozen amateur radio stations of
western India activated emergency radio stations to pro-relief agencies, government
officials and victims of the disaster in the cities of Rajkot, Baroda, Ahmedabad and
Mumbai. Similar services were rendered by hams during the cyclonic storms in Saurashtra
and a number of times in Andhra Pradesh-a state prone to cyclonic storms following weather
distrurbances over the Bay of Bengal. You might recollect the earthquakes in
Uttar-Kashi and more recently at Latur in Maharashtra and adjoining areas where
ham radio operators provided the essential communication network for coordinating and
organising relief operations, arranging medicines, food and clothing for the affected
people. This specialized technical sports or hobby is very much a national asset like
any other non-governmental public service organisation (e.g. the Red Cross).Amateur radio stations also come into action during the major
sports event like the ASIAD, the HIMALAYAN CAR RALLY to assist the sports
officials as well as the rally operators. The Himalayan Expedition teams are getting
assistance from the ham radio operators.
I would appreciate detail information from hams who have participated in such
emergency communication at my E-mail!
baruahsandeep@hotmail.com
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