Amateur Radio Continues to Assisit in the Phillipines

Even though it’s been more than three weeks since Typhoon Haiyan laid waste to many parts of the Philippines, much of that nations telecommunications infrastructure is still not operational. As such, ham radio operators continue to be a primary information conduit into and out of those areas stricken by the storm. Amateur Radio Newsline’s Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, has the latest:
The Philippine-based Ham Emergency Radio Operation or HERO stations are still at work providing help and communications after deadly Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda wreaked its destruction in the central Philippines.
The current official death toll of 5,200 puts the Category-5 storm that landed on November the 8th as the worst typhoon in the archipelago, with its 314-km/h winds generating storm surges in coastal villages and devastating main cities.
As previously reported, in anticipation of the arrival of the super storm the Philippines Amateur Radio Association or PARA activated its HERO network. This after having already faced many storms this year and an earthquake in October.
PARA’s Vice Chief Operating Officer is Ramon Anquilan, DU1UGZ. He reports that in some areas mobile phone service is now available, but is patchy and unreliable. The same is true with electric mains power. DU1UGZ says that he knew that amateur radio emergency communications was effective, and the results saw many tearful moments when local people were able to get their message through to loved ones elsewhere.
Meantime, HERO stations have worked with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the National Telecommunications Commission, communities and non-government organizations. The frequency of 7 dot 095 MHz and several others are still in use and PARA thanks the world’s ham radio community for keeping them clear for emergency traffic.
As we go to air, PARA continues to work closely with authorities and hopefully obtain increased recognition of the HERO network. A very good job continues to be done by a group of truly dedicated ham radio volunteers.
With much of the information in this report provided by Jim Linton VK3PC, who is the Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee, I’m Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, reporting from the South Island in Nelson, New Zealand for the Amateur Radio Newsline.
It appears as if ham radio assistance in the aftermath of this killer typhoon will be ongoing for some time to come. (VK3PC)