As the powerful cyclone, Biparjoy approaches the Gujarat coast with wind speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour, concerns are rising about potential communication network disruptions. To ensure a seamless exchange of information, authorities have turned to HAM radio as a reliable mode of communication during emergencies.

Learning from past experiences, the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has taken proactive measures by deploying six HAM radio teams, including two in Kutch, along with mobile units. These teams will play a crucial role in maintaining communication channels after Cyclone Biparjoy lands near Jakhau port.

HAM radio, also known as amateur radio, has proven to be a dependable method of messaging when traditional terrestrial communication means, such as wirelines and mobile phones, fail during emergencies. It involves the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial exchange of messages.

GSDMA has strategically positioned six HAM radio teams, equipped with radio units, in areas expected to be most impacted by the cyclone. Dr Kausal Jani, a HAM radio operator from GSDMA, explained the significance of HAM radio during cyclones: “When all communication networks fail, and electricity is not available, HAM radio works. It does not require any mobile tower or internet to make calls, making it useful in such disasters.”

These HAM radio teams will play a vital role in relaying critical information during the cyclone, such as emergency requirements like the need for ambulances or requests for assistance from disaster response teams. Gaurav Prajapati, an official from GSDMA, highlighted the importance of HAM radio during previous cyclones, recalling how communication and electrical networks were down for six days during Cyclone Tauktae in May 2021. “We had to communicate through (HAM) radio only,” he added.

In preparation for Cyclone Biparjoy, a mobile HAM radio unit has also been deployed in Jakhau, the location where the cyclone is expected to make landfall. This strategic deployment ensures effective communication channels in the area.

As authorities in Gujarat brace for the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, the utilization of HAM radio demonstrates their commitment to maintaining smooth communication, even in the face of disrupted traditional communication networks. HAM radio’s reliability and independence from conventional infrastructure make it an invaluable asset during emergencies, ensuring that essential information reaches those in need.

Source:
www.vibesofindia.com/ham-radio-teams-dep...mooth-communication/

Cyclone Biparjoy: Authorities bank on HAM radio for seamless communication
A mobile HAM radio unit has also been deployed in Jakhau, where the cyclone is likely to make landfall in the evening.

Jakhau: As powerful cyclone Biparjoy, packing wind speeds up to 140 kilometres per hour, threatens to cripple communication networks after landfall on the Gujarat coast on Thursday evening, authorities have turned to HAM radio for smooth exchange of information.

Learning from past experiences, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has deployed six HAM radio teams, two of them in Kutch, and mobile units for seamless communication after Biparjoy hits the shore near Jakhau port.

HAM radio is considered a reliable mode of messaging during emergencies when wirelines, mobile phones and other traditional terrestrial means of communication fail.
Also known as amateur radio, HAM radio involves the use of radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial exchange of messages.

“GSDMA has deployed six teams with HAM radio units where the impact of the cyclone will likely be the most. Of them, two are in Kutch,” Dr Kausal Jani, HAM radio operator of GSDMA, told PTI.

During a cyclone, when all communication networks fail and electricity is not available, HAM radio works, he said.
“It does not require any mobile tower or internet to make calls,” he explained.
This mode of communication is quite useful in such disasters, he said.

“We can communicate emergency requirements through HAM radio like the need for ambulances or call disaster response teams when people require to be rescued,” he said.

When cyclone Tauktae hit the coast in May 2021, communication and electrical networks were down for six days, said Gaurav Prajapati of GSDMA. “We had to communicate through (HAM) radio only,” said the official.

A mobile HAM radio unit has also been deployed in Jakhau, where the cyclone is likely to make landfall in the evening.

Source:
www.siasat.com/cyclone-biparjoy-authorit...mmunication-2615755/