HYDERABAD:
Predicting a complete breakdown in communication networks, the National
Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR), Hyderabad, has stationed a few of its
operators in Andhra Pradesh for transmission of information to government
departments and civilians.
While the Odisha government has already pressed HAM radio operators into
action, AP has kept them on standby for now and is expected to use them in case
of an emergency. "As a precautionary measure, we have sent our operators
to the districts of AP that have been affected by the cyclone. We also sent
four operators from West Bengal to Bhubaneshwar on Saturday itself as the
government sought our assistance," said S Ram Mohan, vice-chairman and
managing director, NIAR.
He said in most areas, power lines, cell phone towers and land line cables have
collapsed, leaving only HAM radios as an alternative means of communication.
"These radios can be used to relay information between government
departments and also between the government and the public. And even if the
radio collapses, the operators are adept in assembling it to have it running
within no time," he added.
Published in "The Times of India Hyderabad" edition on
13-10-2014
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