The Krishna District Amateur Radio Society Hams have prepared a plan to address the calamities during the rainy season. The operators are equipped with their sets, and are ready to serve in cases of emergency, said members.
“In mobile or landline phones only one person can hear the voice. If the towers are damaged in the disaster the phones will become defunct, and the loss would be severe due to poor or no communication. But, Ham radios (wireless sets) can be operated without wires or towers and reduce human and property loss,” said the Amateur Radio Society Krishna District President V.R.K. Prasad.
Readiness to serve
The licensed society members (HAMS) met on Saturday to discuss preparedness and other problems they were facing. If the government extended support for the voluntary operators, the society could render more service to the public during emergencies, said Amateur Radio Society district secretary M. Venkateswara Rao.
“I served in the rescue operations during the Gujarat earthquake, Krishna river floods and other calamities. We are prepared to go to any place and help the government in taking up the rescue and rehabilitation works. There are about 25 members in our society. Wireless sets are the best equipment to maintain communication during tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and other tragedies,” said Mr. Venkateswara Rao, an auditor by profession. The society has set up a repeater station on Gunadala Hill in Vijayawada. The names of the HAMS, phone numbers and their addresses were given to the district administration.
Contact with officials
“We are in contact with the Revenue, Police, Medical and Health and other department officials and with the Collectorate to help the needy,” said Dr. Prasad. “Apart from our jobs, we are doing service to the society. If government provide wireless sets and encourages us, we can do more during natural calamities and tragedies,” said Mr. Venkateswara Rao.
