[K3PZN-List] disasters.org

[Keith Krichinsky]

>From the Disaster Preparednessand the Emergency Response Association
website: www.disasters.org/dera


TSUNAMI:  The December 2004 earthquake and tsunami tragedy is one of
the most notable natural disasters in modern history.  Deaths have
been confirmed in at least eight countries while a dozen other
countries are now experiencing severe economic impact.  Citizens from
over 75 countries have been reported as missing, and the death toll is
now estimated to exceed well over 150,000, with millions more at
immediate risk from disease and complications from injury.  The
Tsunami left at least 5,000,000 people homeless and in  need of
immediate shelter.

At the time of the disaster, DERA members were on the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands (near the earthquake's epicenter in Indonesia) working
on an amateur radio communications project which DERA was co-funding
with NIAR/India.  The highly trained team of unpaid volunteers was
well equipped with radios, food, medical supplies and support
supplies.

Although many of their supplies were lost or damaged, team members
escaped with minor injuries and immediately began assisting the rescue
and relief effort by providing local and long range radio
communications and conducting preliminary damage assessment.

For several days, these team members provided the only communications
with the outside world from remote areas of the islands.  Because Car
Nicobar Island remained isolated even after several days, the
government of India asked the team to further divide its assets and
send two team members with HF radio equipment by helicopter to that
island.

Team members plan to remain on the islands providing critical,
life-saving communications as long as needed.  DERA will continue to
fund the operation.

So, what have YOU done lately?  ARES training begins on Saturday 1/29
at 9:00 AM.  All are welcome.

-- 
Keith Krichinsky - W3MDC

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