An earthquake that hit the Yun Nan province in the southwest China’s mountainous
region on October 7, caused a death, injured 336 with 50,000
The 6.6 magnitude Richter scale earthquake was responded to mainly by the
military rescue force and some teams had radio amateurs.
Fan Bin BA1RB from the Chinese Radio Sports Association said that some rescue
teams included radio amateurs, who coordinated efforts in the field with
their own VHF and UHF radios.
He said the immediate efforts were to rescue victims, deliver food, water
and shelter. Then crews fixed any of the disruptions to transport and other
facilities.
The shallow ?quake, followed by eight aftershocks, saw many houses collapse
in the region close to China’s borders with Myanmar and Laos.
The City of Pu’er, about 85 kms from the epicentre, had people evacuating
buildings for fear of aftershocks, which included a 4.6 magnitude event.
The IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee member, Fan Bin BA1RB,
said the local water and electricity supply were now normal, with no disruption
to communication including Internet.
— Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.