ARLA/CLUSTER: Radioamadores de Malta envolvidos em importantes exercícios de simulação de terramoto

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Amateur Radio involved in major exercise in Malta

Radio Amateurs of the Malta Amateur Radio League (MARL) have completed
their involvement in a European Union supported Earthquake simulation
exercise in their country

Around 300 participants simulated the scenario in which Malta was hit
by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the central Mediterranean area 120km
South West of the island. Because of the size of the simulated event
the Malta Civil Protection Department were assisted by the Presidenza
della Regione Siciliana-Departimento della Protezione Civile in Italy.

The Exercise started at 1700 Local time on 3rd September and continued
on until 5th September. As part of the support provided by amateur
radio to the exercise, around 220 messages were passed on behalf of
the emergency services. They also provided mobile radio backup in
areas not served by PMR repeaters and an ATV stream from the exercise
site to the base of operation. To demonstrate all the tools available
to Amateur Radio they also used digital modes to pass text files,
photos etc. between locations and also assisted with setting up of
networks and other IT and technical support.

This exercise provided a great opportunity for Radio Amateurs to show
what they can do in a disaster in Europe, raising awareness with the
authorities and highlighting that disasters can occur anywhere in our
region.

Source: Greg Mossop G0DUB - IARU Region 1
http://iaru-r1.org/