ARLA/CLUSTER: Super Tufão Haiyan ameaça as Filipinas, radioamadores em alerta.

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Super Typhoon threatens the Philippines

More widespread devastation is likely in areas of the Philippines that
were hit late last year by Super Typhoon Haiyan, as a new typhoon
called Hagupit
is over the Pacific Ocean headed for mostly poor communities.

On November 8, 2013, at least 6,300 people were killed in the
Philippines, with the loss of crops and many homes.

The Philippines Amateur Radio Association (PARA) has activated its Ham
Emergency Radio Operations (HERO) network in advance of Super Typhoon
Hagupit.

PARA Chief Operating Officer Thelma Pascua said that the HERO network
is well-practised and prepared to meet the emergency communication
needs caused by the severe weather event.

'We urge amateur radio operators to monitor but keep clear 7.095 MHz
+/- for only emergency traffic,' Thelma said.

Weather forecasters said the typhoon is already generating wind gusts
of 240 kilometres an hour, and predict it to intensify making landfall
on the eastern islands.

A high alert has been issued and thousands of families told to evacuate.

The HERO network on 7.095 MHz has been involved with situation reports
and other activities.

Additional ham equipment run by HERO has been set up at the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Central Office in Quezon City
Metro Manilla.

Regional NTC telecoms offices are also monitoring the HERO network for
the latest on the ground information, as well as the normal assigned
government frequencies.

PARA is preparing for a visit by Pope Francis to the worst affected
areas of last year's Typhoon Haiyan to inspect progress and talk to
local people about that disaster.

The visit due on January 15-19 is to include the City of Tacloban,
described as being the worst hit area.

PARA and its HERO Network provided emergency communications for many
weeks as a result of that disaster.

Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee