Thursday 30 April 2015

ars technica: After Nepal earthquake, people turn to ham radio

On Saturday, Nepal was shaken by a massive earthquake that registered a 7.8 on the Richter scale, causing widespread destruction in areas of dense population, and preventing aid workers from reaching more isolated villages in the mountainous regions. As of Tuesday, at least 5,000 people were dead and at least 10,000 were injured. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless. [more...]

Tuesday 28 April 2015

southgate: Nepal earthquake update #3

southgate: Nepal earthquake update #3

The death toll of at least 4,300 people and tens of thousands are homeless following the 7.9 earthquake that hit Nepal on the weekend is still engaged in rescue and recovery.
The quake also triggered avalanches on Mt Everest with many climbers killed or lost.
Jayu VU2JAU the National Coordinator for Disaster Communication in neighbouring India reported that after the first two days the rescue teams are still finding it difficult to trace the missing as well as those who are buried in the ruins.
He said all the officials and police department are working hard among the chaos to help people.
Jayu VU2JAU said: "More than 2500 people are reported to be untraceable.
As one of hotels was demolished where four doctors were staying, only one survived and is located in Red Cross camp injured condition. This is one case but many cases possible like that as the hotel must be holding many people.
"It was also reported that three places had landslides where casualties are expected to be more and the list may increase."
He reported that people are stranded in many places like at the Airport, Base Camps, Indian Embassy and other places.
Nepal HAMs are facing hard situation. Now another two HAMs along with Satish 9N1AA and Suresh 9N1HA are supported by Pravin 9N1KK and Akarsha 9N1ZZ, along with VU2DMS joined them in operation," said Jayu VU2JAU.
The Indian Embassy has arranged busses to evacuate people from various places.
Four buses from Mungaling to Birganj, but face two broken bridges on the way and passengers are required to change buses and walk. Another ten buses are running from Pokhara to Mungling since Pokhara reported maximum casualties.
Four HAMs from Gujarat left for Nepal headed by Zala VU2ZNN. They will be reaching Nepal today and set up stations at critical places.
Similarly a four-member team of HAMs are expected to reach tomorrow from North Delhi. Jayu VU2JAU along with Ananda VU2AGJ and Sandip VU2MUE have decided to set up HF and VHF stations at Gorakhpur on the Indo-Nepal border.
Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE 

Please keep the following frequencies (+/- 5 khz) clear until further notice: 14.310 - 14.200 through 14.215 - 7.100