Flood crisis response by radio amateurs

Operators are requested to stay away from 7.060-7.063MHz and the designated IARU Regional CoA emergency frequencies due to use by Thailand hams during the flood emergency. Thai authorities continue to battle the country's worst floods in decades with the death toll at some 280. The capital of Bangkok is under threat dispite sandbagging.

In outlying areas the floods have destroyed crops, inundated factories and damaged the homes or livelihoods of millions of people. About 110,000 people have sought refuge in shelters. The flooding will continue for a week. The high tide will prevent the floodwaters escaping to the sea for a day or two while the recovery efforts may take a year. The majority of flood radio traffic is being carried on the 2-metre band by volunteers, some which have had their homes inundated, and it's not possible to estimate how many radio amateurs are involved.

The RAST headquarters station HS0AC is under threat from the flood waters. RAST International Liaison Officer Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX, has sent out an appeal to members and friends advising them of the extent of the flood disaster. Earlier the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand donated an amateur radio repeater for use in flood relief communications.

- Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.

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