Italian earthquake emergency - HF operations concluded

Greg Mossop, G0DUB, IARU Region 1 Emergency Communications Coordinator provides the latest update on amateur radio emergency communications following the recent Italian earthquake -

Alberto Barbera, IK1YLO, the IARU National Emergency Communications Coordinator for Italy, received a phone call from the Dipartimento della Protezione Civile at 20:00 UTC 10 April stating that the use of HF for emergency communications was being closed down and all activities were being transferred to L'Aquila. The transfer was to be completed by the morning of 11 April.

Monitoring the frequency, there do not appear to be any other emergency groups using the frequency, so it is appropriate to return it to normal use and let normal amateur procedures apply - Listen before transmitting - If you hear any station passing emergency traffic then leave the frequency clear and avoid causing QRM.

Greg expresses his sincere thanks to all stations for their assistance and support over this traumatic period.

• The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to help the thousands who are injured or homeless after the powerful earthquake. British Red Cross Appeal