From Southgate Amateur Radio News:
Earthquake in Taiwan
An earthquake measuring 6.4 has hit Taiwan, and caused buildings to collapse.
HARTS (Hong Kong Amateur Radio Transmitting Society) has received a weak voice signal from the CTARL Taiwan (Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio League) that asks that the following frequencies be kept clear.
HF frequencies used in Taiwan are voice: Main is 7.060 MHz with backup 7.050 MHz and 3.560 MHz. Short range frequencies are on VHF and UHF.
At least four buildings have collapsed in the south of the island.
Dozens of residents are reported to be trapped in the city of Tainan, those houses nearly two million people.
So often, amateur radio is the only method of communication after a disaster. Even in a place with decent infrastructure such as New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, with the power out, cell service only lasted for as long as the fuel for the towers backup generators - one day to three days. Ham Radio can operate off a car battery, solar panels or a small generator. During the horrible quake in Nepal, the first communications out of that Nation were through nine ham radio stations.
It is not if, it is when...
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