ABSTRACT
Communication failures in disasters cause avoidable mortality, morbidity, and losses. Ham in India go to disaster site with their transceivers and antenna to restore emergency communication. We propose establishment of fail-proof frugal ham club station (HCS) within district EOCs, which will facilitate real-time video, voice, text, image, and data communication modes. Ham enthusiasts will use HCS for getting license, disaster drills, and to restore emergency communication during disasters. Unless and until a human practice with an equipment is part of daily living, it is absurd to expect it to perform during a disaster.
We will write a white paper to persuade Wireless Planning and Communication Wing of Ministry of Communication to allow HCS within District EOCs with safeguards. About 739 district EOCs of India will require only Rs.22 Crores investment. Implementation of recommendations will benefit vulnerable people who suffer the most in any disaster and will give maximum social benefit return compared to any other disaster resilience infrastructure investment. Policy makers by not allowing setting up HCS in district EOCs are creating communication vulnerability led disasters resulting in avoidable mortality, morbidity, and losses.
