Public service aspect of Amateur radio

Amateur Radio is not just communication on the air for recreation. There have been a number of instances when HAMs have provided efficient communication during emergencies such as floods, storms, earthquakes and other natural calamities.

Licensed HAMs are well trained to erect a radio station in any difficult situation. When the normal means of communication e.g telephones, internet etc fail due to a natural calamity, trained and licensed HAMs nearby gather together, erect a radio station and help the government authorities with the efficient communication in order to come out of chaos as soon as possible.

Just a few examples:-

1. In the year 1984, a cyclone struck to Andhra Pradesh. HAMs rendered effective communication through many radio stations installed in emergency.

2. Bhopal gas tragedy – HAMs set up VHF stations and helped the govt officials and the affected people.

3. During the Latur earthquake tragedy (1993) in Maharashtra state, the HAM operators provided non-stop help for a fortnight, when the equipment of the military and police failed.

4. Quake-triggered tsunami hit the Indian coast. Ham scramble teams were immediately sent to set up Radio stations to help co-ordinate relief and rescue operations, and get news out to anxious relatives.

There are many more examples!