The gathering of information by radio amateurs that followed the 8.3‑magnitude earthquake on Wednesday off Chile’s central coast, and community disaster drills, have help keep the loss of life at a minimum.
From ONEMI — Oficina Nacional de Emergencia del Ministerio del Interior (National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry), radio amateurs gathered vital information.
The earthquake shook buildings in the Chilean capital of Santiago, and panicked people gathered in the streets. Damaged buildings were reported in the South American country.
Marisa Tobella Pinto CE2MT, Director of Emergency Communications, of the Radio Club de Chile, said that emergency communications were provided by radio amateurs throughout Chile.
He said these were most intense during the declared Tsunami alert stage, which saw the evacuation of million people to safety. The alert has now been lifted.
Marisa CE2MT said those stationed at ONEMI used various networks, primarily 7050 MHz and 7080 MHz with support stations covering the entire country. Bordering provinces of Argentina were also involved.
While there had been damage, the deaths of 10 people, and after-shocks, the situation now seemed under control.
The community of Chile is prepared for disasters with drills, in recognition that the country is in a zone where seismic activity occurs frequently.
The Radio Club de Chile and its trained radio amateurs, have recently been involved in a volcanic eruption, earthquakes and a mine disaster.
‑Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.
Amateur Radio role in Chile earthquake
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