Hams help in cyclone disaster

Hams help in cyclone disaster

Infrastructure is still being restored following Cyclone Hudhud on Sunday that hit Odisha in the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of India.

National disaster communication coordinator, Jayu Bhide VU2JAU said it uprooted 75% of trees, blocked most roads, cut power and communication lines.

He said, "There was no water, petrol pumps were out of action and airports closed. So far 22 people had been killed, others injured and many made homeless."

Jayu VU2JAU said the cyclone with heavy rain and winds mainly affected Vishakhapattanam (Vizag), but has was now subsided.

India's prime minister Narendra Modi surveyed the cyclone-hit areas from the air on Tuesday, and attributed early evacuations and the clever use of technology in India's weather office helped save lives.
Over 40 National Disaster Response Force teams were engaged in rescue efforts, along with the navy and dozens of divers.

Jayu VU2JAU said, "Radio amateurs had handled emergency communications. Dilip VU2DPI controlled a net with Shantanu VU2SIC and Pawan VU2PGU. Other radio amateurs also played their part in disaster recovery.

"It will take about 5 to 6 days before life returns to normal. Crews are repairing powerlines, telephones and other infrastructure," said Jayu VU2JAU.

Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman
IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee






Follow Southgate News on Twitter
Join us on Facebook