[A-DX] [Fwd: [The Daily DX] VU4 - update]

[Wolf Harranth <harranth@xxxxxxxx>]

-------- Ursprüngliche Nachricht --------
Betreff: [The Daily DX] VU4 - update
Datum: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 05:25:39 -0000
Von: Bernie McClenny <bernie@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Rückantwort: bernie@xxxxxxxxxxx
Firma: The Daily DX
An: <dailydx@xxxxxxx>, "'The Weekly DX mailing List'" <weeklydx@xxxxxxx>


By now most of you have probably heard about the 9.0 Earthquake which took
place just off shore of Sumatra in North West Indonesia around 0058Z on
Sunday December 26.  The Andaman Islands were one of the closest land areas
to the epicenter of the earthquake.  This earthquake apparently set off
multiple aftershocks and several tidal waves (tsunami) which killed over
thirteen thousand people in the area (VU, VU4, 9M, 4S, 8Q, YB, HS).  Reports
indicate that since the initial earthquake four more earthquakes have taken
place centered on the Andaman Islands, ranging from 6.0 to 6.3, and two more
in the Nicobar Islands measuring 7.3 followed by 6.5.

Multiple sources reported Bharathi on the air several hours after the quake
and tsunami.  VK6APK, Alex, heard her around 1000Z and she was reporting
"there is no electricity or telephone communication.  All of the "team
members" are OK, but no direct word on Charley, K4VUD.  As you all know
Charley has been assisting the all Indian team at VU4RBI/VU4NRO and sending
us daily reports.  The VU4 ops are now apparently operating with battery
power running 20 watts and are on "standby to provide emergency
communications to assist the local authorities", per Alex.  VU3SLJ, M.S.
Kamath, spoke to the VU4 team who again confirmed "everything's OK" with
them.  They also reported that Ham Radio is the only communications link to
the islands at this time.  YC4VD, Sabri, spoke to VU4NRO on 7092 around
1730Z.

News sources are now reporting that Indian Airforce AN-32 aircraft have
flown into Port Blair and Karnic airfield in Andaman Islands delivering "
emergency and medical supplies".  More than 100 are feared to be dead in the
Andamans.

Late Sunday 9V1YC, James, reported he too spoke to the VU4 team on 20
meters.  The team was passing emergency traffic back and forth between the
Andaman Islands and the Indian mainland.  They are using one or two small
gas generators, batteries and running 20 watts with the antennas now pointed
at the homeland.

Early Monday James again spoke to Bharathi on 7075.  Here is an update.

1. They are running on batteries and small generators using very low power
and one vertical.  Trying to put up some more antennas today.  Commercial
power is promised by 4pm today, but no guarantees from the authorities.

2. The main building they were using was damaged, and the authorities are
restricting entry at the moment.  Most of their equipment is still inside,
but they are confident they will be allowed to retrieve it soon.

3. There were heavy aftershocks all night long and they were sleeping
outside in temporary shelters.  A temporary station was set up outside on
the grass and they continue to be on the air to pass traffic to India, and
hand out the QSO's.

4. They know there are reports that the DXpedition is over and they are
leaving, but insist that this is not true, and are staying on the air as
much as they can until the 31st - as scheduled.  Bharathi and team depart
the island on the 1st.

5. K4VUD has an air ticket home for today, but they have no idea if he can
leave since emergency passengers will likely take priority.  The airport is
open, so I am sure he will have much more detailed and accurate information
for you if and when he gets back tomorrow.

6. Though they reported yesterday that main power and phones are out, they
seem to have some telephones working, and Bharathi was talking to her
husband back in Delhi this morning.

7. They (and the authorities) seem quite hungry for information on
casualties in the region since they have only a trickle of news from the
outside.  It seems that Amateur Radio is showing its value during a severe
crisis.

8. The emergency frequencies seem to be 7050 for emergency traffic within
India, and 7055 for Indonesia (which is their usual net frequency).  14190
and 14150 are also being used for traffic to VU2.  The usual net of expats
on 7075 in Thailand seemed to be a gathering place today, with many
reporting in from 4S7, VU2 and 9M2.


Credit 9V1YC, AD5W, K1ER, K3ZO, N5FG, VE7AVV, VK6APK, VU3DJQ, W6KH, W7YES,

Bernie McClenny, W3UR

Now more than ever - you need The Daily DX and The Weekly DX - to keep up
with the DX news from around the globe!

Editor of - The Daily DX <-- two free weeks http://www.dailydx.com/order.htm
          - The Weekly DX <-- free sample
http://www.dailydx.com/weekly2.html
          - How's DX

http://www.dailydx.com



_______________________________________________
DailyDX mailing list
DailyDX@xxxxxxx
http://www.kkn.net/mailman/listinfo/dailydx


--
Internationales Kuratorium QSL COLLECTION
Dokumentationsarchiv zur Erforschung der Geschichte des Funkwesens und 
der elektronischen Medien
c/o ORF, Argentinierstr. 30A, A-1040 Wien
(Postfach 2, A-1112 Wien)
mailto:oe1xqc@xxxxxxxx - www.qsl.at




-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Diese Mail wurde ueber die A-DX Mailing-Liste gesendet.
Admin: Christoph Ratzer, OE2CRM  http://www.ratzer.at
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Verwendung der A-DX Meldungen fuer Hobbyzwecke ist gestattet, jede
kommerzielle Verwendung bedarf der Zustimmung des A-DX Listenbetreibers.