Ham radio called-out in Arkansas campsite flood

Ham radio was called out on June 6th to assist in the search for missing people following flooding in the Albert Pike campground, about 75 miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Despite temporary cell phone towers being installed, emergency personnel still needed help communicating in the remote Arkansas wilderness. Because of this local law enforcement has requested the help of ham radio operators across the state.

The Central Arkansas Ultra-High Frequency Amateur Radio Club was quick to respond. Its spokesman is Josh Carroll, N5JLC. He says cell phones can only cover so much of an area. According to Carroll the cellular towers and services that have been put in place are functioning properly.
The problem is they're working for a certain portion of the affected area, and the area we're currently concerned with is still very spotty as far as cellular service and communications. So that's why they requested the
assistance of the ham radio community.

The flash flood swept through a popular Arkansas campground on Friday, June 4th. At least 19 people have been confirmed killed, and one person is still missing after sudden severe floods rampaged through the area.

Source: ARNewsline, NPR, N5LJC