Italy Earthquake Update - 11 April 2009

Hello,
Alberto IK1YLO received a phone call from Dipartimento Nazionale
Civile last night 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 this morning.

Last night there were still stations on air and on DX Cluster trying to
keep the frequency clear but when asked, they could not state what
emergency operation was actually taking place or what callsigns.
Listening this morning there are still some weak signals on 7045 but I
cannot identify them as Italian. The DX cluster warnings appear to have
stopped though.

So, I have a message saying that the frequency is not in use, and no
station contacted can confirm to me that any emergency group is still
using the frequency but still there are some 'net cops' who put doubts
in my mind.

So I am planning to announce that the frequency goes back to normal
later today but normal amateur rules should apply.

- listen before transmit
- If you hear emergency then stop transmitting.

What we need to be sure of though is that the stations calling emergency
are involved with the event and not people who are not directly involved
and do not know what is going on.

If you hear any emergency activity before 1800 UTC on 7045 please let me
know, I will put a formal announcement onto the IARU Region 1 website
after that time. This allows any other emergency group to be heard in
case they are still there.

I know that this is not ideal but it something we need to improve on
next time.

73, OD5RI - Riri

Radio Amateurs of Lebanon (RAL)

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)

Assistant Coordinator