A temporary jetty in West Bengal collapsed hurling about 100 people into the fast flowing Ganges River.
National Coordinator for Disaster Communication in India, Jayu S. Bhide VU2JAU reports that the disaster was on Wednesday April 26.
Officials report today that the death toll was fourteen and at least 10 others have not been found.
Jayu VU2JAU said: “Ambrish VU2JFA and his team (from the West Bengal Radio Club) worked around the clock. They had a very hard time but were dedicated to the work and doing a great job.”
He said from reports he had received the jetty had people of various ages waiting for a ferry when it collapsed throwing them in the Ganges River. Fortunately most were rescued, some able to swim ashore, but bodies had been recovered.
More information on the accident and the roll of HAMs was expected in debriefing reports. A fine effort by those from the West Bengal Radio Club.
– Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee with Jayu S. Bhide VU2JAU.