RAYNET during floods and chill

With temperatures expected to fall below freezing in many parts of the United Kingdom, it brings even more worry to residents in the flooded areas. As recent rain travels through the river systems, taxing bridges and other infrastructure, ice and freezing fog are now the additional hazards. Four people have died since the wet weather struck last week and around 900 people in England and Wales have fled their waterlogged homes.

Earlier, the Mid Severn RAYNET (Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network) group members were asked to assist by the Worcestershire County Council County Volunteers Emergency Committee on Sunday November 25th, as a very short notice response for volunteers needed for flood preparation. Due to the then rising waters of the River Severn, the Emergency Planning Officers were concerned about the potential for flooding of adjacent residential properties in parts of Worcester city centre, some which had been constructed after the floods of 2007.

The RAYNET teams completed the task into the early evening and then stood down, with residents most appreciative of the efforts made to alert them. A full report can be found in the Forum section of the RAYNET web site. Keep an eye on the following Link

RAYNET is asking its 100 plus groups throughout the UK to report on their activities promptly, so a clear picture of involvement in possible earlier, and just in case the ever changing flood situation escalates requiring out of area support. Meanwhile, in Scotland, RAYNET Members were assisting the Lothians 4x4 Response Group helping the Scottish Gas Board during the week which has been particularly cold. They were distributing heaters and checking on vulnerable people in Clackmananshire. The Centre Control used on 2m and 70cm to provide additional support and control.

(Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee,
with Greg Mossop G0DUB, IARU Region 1 Emergency Communications Coordinator)

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