Thank you for your detailed response, AJ6XW. The impact of those cyclones and the annual flooding in Bangladesh is indeed devastating, and you're right—those numbers are not exaggerated. The role amateur radio operators have played in disaster relief during such events is commendable, especially when conventional communication systems fail. It's important to recognize the critical role amateur radio plays in emergency communication, and I appreciate your reminder of the stark realities faced by communities in Bangladesh. thank you for sharing these crucial points.
You're absolutely right! The number of lives ham radio has saved, especially in times of disaster, is probably far greater than we'll ever know. Whether it's providing communication during emergencies, connecting people in remote areas, or relaying vital information when all other systems are down, ham radio operators have made a significant impact, often behind the scenes and without much recognition.
Well, until you've been there, you'll never know. I was in Charleston, SC, when hurricane Hugo made landfall on September 22, 1989. Ham radio made the communication and organization possible. I think the folks above did an amazing job.
Mis felicitaciones, desde un país que sabe de desastres y sabe valorar la gran capacdad de ayuda de los Radioaficionados... No obstante las comentarios que puedan minimizar la gran ayuda que ustedes prestaron, han hecho una gran labor... Mis respeto para el equipó y como dice nuestro lema scout "Siempre Listos", con solo el norte de la disposición de Servicio. Un abrazo a la distancia, desde el fin del mundo, Chile!!
I come from a region of India that is very similar to Bangladesh, in fact, I live in the immediate neighborhood and face many of the same challenges. Because of this, I am quite familiar with the topology, climate, and demographic impact in this part of the world. Your views on Bangladesh may have been accurate in the past, but like other evolving and vibrant South Asian nations, Bangladesh has certainly advanced and is keeping pace with modern technology. I understand that Amateur Radio has historically played a significant role in disaster communications, but times have changed, even for Bangladesh. I am confident that Bangladesh's state-funded first responders are now well-equipped to manage any breakdown in communication systems. They likely employ modern solutions such as satellite phones and non-amateur radio bands to maintain connectivity. While Amateur Radio can still be crucial in "zero day" disaster situations for the civilian population, we should not view it as an alternative to a country's first responder network. Instead, Amateur Radio operators should complement the existing infrastructure. Globally, amateurs need to realize that *disaster* scenarios are not the only way to draw people into and keep them interested in this hobby. It's the understanding of the science behind radio communication that sets us apart from those who simply have access to a PTT on a radio. - I believe that we should stop using *disaster* as a unique selling point for Amateur Radio to non-technical individuals. In fact, the *disaster* aspect of Amateur Radio is often oversold. Anyway, I never expected to write this much, but I felt this needed to be said. PS: Let's not drag this any further - Lets keep this thread clean.However if you wish to drag this any further, do your homework and send me a zoom or meet invite, I will be happy to share my understanding of our amazing hobby.
It may be easy to say "No Offense, I find these stories highly exaggerated" thus my guess is you were not there. As for your other comments, I can agree, many amateur radio operators' reference disasters and Preppy too much, yet with disasters it is where Ham truly shine. When SHITF local coms often do not properly work, thus there is a need for input from somewhere, FRS, GMRS, and Ham folks. As you are aware, although hams are used for much more than during disasters it is during disasters where they acquire their must recognition. Supporting marathons, races, parades, and the like, Hams may be asked to assist, but they are seldom recognized for their contribution and seldom praised, thus during disasters adding assistance they may be mentioned. Hope this helps.
You have got to be joking! I have served all over the world and many of those areas had/have no cell phone or radio coverage at all. A simple radio call to an FM repeater strategically placed could have/would have easily saved lives! Even here in America we have areas that have limited/no phone cell coverage but DO have amateur radio coverage and I can give everyone a personal example! Two years ago, almost to the date, I was in a terrible car accident. I was at a standstill and then hit from behind from a knucklehead driving super high speed. When I woke up, I found myself in my totaled truck, badly injured, hurt, dazed, confused, facing on coming traffic on the other side of the highway. I had forgotten my phone, and the only reliable form of communication in that area was my Yaesu FT 60 HT. I was able to contact amateur radio operators on 2 meters and they called for emergency personnel for me. My wife and I have hiked or snowshoed up in the High Sierras where in some areas there is NO cell coverage at all. Yet in some of those areas we can easily contact repeaters with an HT. Not long ago, a couple was stranded in a severe series of blizzards for 10 days in the High Sierras where there was no cell phone coverage. It is my understanding that area was covered by 2 meter repeaters. The boyfriend froze to death and his girlfriend managed to hike part of the way out and survived. Their story was on TV all over the world. A simple hand held like the FT-60 could have easily saved them. Some time back, two snowmobile riders were stranded in the snow during a blizzard. They froze to death and their bodies were found during the spring thaw, half eaten by bears. I wish they had a simple 2 meter HT. There are incredibly beautiful, remote and dangerous beaches throughout California that have no cell phone coverage but are within range of repeaters. I nearly lost my life at one of these beaches and a handheld HT would have brought emergency personnel to save me within minutes. Amateur radio is NOT only for large disasters and zero day situations. Amateur radio is NOT only for the elite, wealthy and highly educated EE's. An uneducated person that understands the simply basics of radio operation and is in the right place at the right time, can easily save a life one day. I am posting a picture that I took some years ago. It is unedited with the exception of I have whited out my friend's shirt. These friends of mine killed a black cobra that was merely feet away from my hut. If I had been bitten by this snake, or for that matter, any of the poisonous snakes in Bangladesh or any country, especially if working in remote areas, I would like to have all the help I could find. And that includes simple amateur radio operators, regardless of their education/knowledge levels. AJ6XW PS It is estimated that about 1600 people die every year of snakebites in Bangladesh. PSS One day I would like to go back to some of the places I served and set up amateur radio stations. These people are my friends and I care deeply about them and they are worth the risk!
