2011312-ares news up date from region 1
http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=716:japan-earthquakepacific-tsunami-update-1&catid=48:emcom&itemid=99japan earthquake/pacific tsunami - update 1
friday, 11 march 2011 23:31
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more information has become available about the effects and response to the earthquake which struck off the coast of honshu japan around 05:46utc friday 11th march causing extensive damage to the country and also triggering tsunami waves and warnings across the pacific.
jim linton vk3pc, iaru region 3 disaster communications committee chairman relayed the following:
"from the jarl building headquarters the newly appointed secretary ken yamamoto, ja1cjp, reports that the building shook quite strongly, but no serious damage was caused. 'with regard to amateur radio activity in the affected areas, we are not aware of any so far,' he said. 'it seems that the communications infrastructure has survived the quake and is in working order in regard to priority communications'."
there are broadcast media reports that cellphone and landline telephone services are disrupted and there are wide area power outages but the emergency services are working well. icko suzuki, ja1bpa, of tokyo, told the arrl that in japan, emergency communications activities and support normally occur on 40 meters and on vhf, “so normal dx bands should not be affected.” as well as the iaru region 3 emergency coa frequencies, the arrl report that amateur radio operators from japan may also use 7.130, 14.230 and 21.230 mhz for emergency communications.
the tsunami waves are still propagating across the pacific ocean with variable effects, some countries are spared while others are observing significant waves and some property damage.
in north america, some parts of california observed waves of up to 1-2m while other areas had less than 1m waves. in the usa the only nets known to be operating at the moment are the oregon ares®/races net on 3.964 mhz and satern on 14.265 mhz.
the waves should reach peru around 0251utc 12th march but the continuing aftershocks in the area of japan leave the possibility of further tsunami warnings being issued.
other than the nets mentioned, there does not seem to be any wide area emergency communications by amateur radio but it would still be appreciated if extra care was taken to avoid any emergency traffic until the situation becomes clearer.
