Very heavy rains that have reached more than 400 mm rainfall in 24 hours over Baracoa, the eastern city of Guantanamo province required the activation of the GUANTANAMO FRC PROVINCIAL‎  EMERGENCY NET , PRIMARY FREQUENCY ON 40 METERS 7115 KHZ all day Friday.
Rain continues to fall, and the net will remain active all day long today. We appreciate that the 7115 kHz frequency be kept clear for the emergency traffic flowing from Baracoa and Maisi to the Guantanamo provincial capital via the amateur radio provincial emergency net.  Traffic is also been handled locally on two meters…

Arnie Coro CO2KK
IARU Region II Area C Emergency Coordinator

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.

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.

The typhoon is already generating wind gusts of 240 kilometres an hour, with forecasters predicting it to intensify and make landfall on 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.

– Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.

A team of 14 radio amateurs are now involved in emergency communication net
as Cyclone Nilofar with its rain and wind approaches the west coast of India
out of the Arabian Sea.

National Coordinator for Disaster Communication Jayu Bhide VU2JAU says some
have emergency communication experience, others in portable operation, but
all efforts show a spirit and sincerity in Amateur Radio serving the community.

He says cooperation is being sought to keep the HF traffic on 7035 kHz and
14135 kHz clear for emergency use.

The hams have responded to Government of Gujarat requests to set up at Bhuj,
Dwarika, Porbandar and Rajkot.

The coastal area Kacchha recorded winds at 60 kms per hour, it was overcast
and few places have had some light rains, but no damage reports.

Jayu VU2JAU says as a precautionary measure some important coastal areas
were evacuated as no chances will be taken with this cyclonic storm. It remains
anxious time ahead for many.

-Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.

The Hurricane Watch Net has been activated for Hurricane Gonzalo currently
at sea in the Caribbean and expected to reach the British and US Virgin Islands.

The net is using 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz. Please keep those frequencies
clear.

It passed near Antigua as a tropical storm, tearing roofs from houses and knocking down trees before further strengthening and is now classified as a hurricane.

– Jim  Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.