ARLA/CLUSTER: Radioamadores filipinos continuam a ajudar as vitimas do tufão Haima

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

Recovery efforts continue after disaster

Typhoon Haima which hit the north of the Philippines has left a path
of  debris, destroyed infrastructure, damaged homes (46,000) and
businesses, affected agriculture and fishing, plus resulted in
flooding and landslides.

This is how the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described the latest of this year's 12
storms to hit the archipelago.

The Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA) was ready for Haima,
having activated its HERO net on 7.110 MHz for the earlier Typhoon
Sharika on Luzon Island. That Category 3 Typhoon moved westward and
weakened quickly.

Roberto Vicencio DU1VHY reports that HERO was ready as Super Typhoon
Haima smashed into the northern Philippines with winds gusting to over
 300 kph and forcing thousands to flee.

The frequency of 7.110 MHz was used as Typhoon Sharika when its wind
and rainfall made its presence known in the area of Luzon Island.

No sooner had TC Sharika passed through the area of Luzon Island, were
 eyes on Typhoon Haima, that increased in intensity with winds gusting
to over 300 kph.

Roberto DU1VHY reports that HERO net with 130 stations gave weather,
power and flooding reports.

Other ham groups like the United Methodist Amateur Radio Club (UMARC)
sent members led by DV1YIN, to travel north to the province of
Isabela.

The OCHA reported that the United Methodist Communication and the
Philippine Amateur Radio Association provided solar generator sets to
local radio amateurs in Isabela.

Its latest report it said: "Considering the limited access to other
communication channels, the use of ham radio is being used to support
affected communities to communicate with their loved ones and provide
feedback to their evolving needs."

The team of DV1YIN, DW1YMJ and DV1XWK took more than 10 hours by road
to reach Santiago City, Isabela, and immediately via HF radio contact
advised that power had been cut and phone coverage was intermittent.

Most areas in Cagayan had limited access to communication, with
electricity expected to take three weeks to be restored. The army,
police, the Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies are in the area.

The communication task was big, with affected families with essential
ready access information from the local government units and
humanitarian agencies.

The Far East Broadcasting Company continues to air information it has
to affected communities and provide updates on the ongoing response in
the Isabela, Cagayan, Aurora Provinces.

Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman
IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee