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Kerala: Ham radio operators offer support

KOCHI: A group of ham radio enthusiasts has extended their support to ensure emergency communication with rescue operations in Idukki. A control unit of the ham radio station started functioning Friday night at Gandhi Nagar fire station in Ernakulam, 132 km away from Rajamalai in Idukki.


The group has members on spot for assistance during rescue operations.

The control unit would relay the information to government authorities in other parts of the state.

“Ham radios are operating through satellite support. The Control unit has been set up in Ernakulam for rescue operations in Munnar and flood-related situation," said Anu Chandrasekhar, chief warden of civil defence volunteers in Ernakulam and Idukki. "Four ham radio operators have been relaying information from four spots - two in Rajamalai and one each in Adimaly and Idukki. One more team left for Idukki on Saturday. The emergency messages being sent by them are relayed to authorities concerned. They sent messages for more man power support for the evacuation of stranded residents, shortage of rescue equipment, coordination of various bodies, and informing about other measures." Two more teams from Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram are expected to reach Idukki soon.

If rain intensifies in Idukki, more ham radio stations will be set up as per requirement, it is understood. Besides, 15 volunteers are operating remote control units in many parts of Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Palakkad. The ham radios are personal possessions of the enthusiasts and they own it as a hobby. The radio equipment can operate from any location where no network is available.

"The instrument with an antenna can operate even with a battery of the vehicle. Currently, we communicate through voice messages. Since digital technologies are available now, we can soon be transmitting images and videos on ham radio. We plan to set up the new system in Idukki to send images and videos to the control unit,” he said.

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