Radio Amateurs Supporting Colombia Landslide Disaster Relief and Recovery Effort
An emergency HAM radio network (Amateur Radio) actively supported the relief and recovery work in the town of Mocoa in Colombia.
A disastrous landslide overnight on 31st March-1st April, left more than 230 dead, and many went missing or injured, devastating the town residents. Heavy rainfall in Colombia’s Putumayo Province triggered the mud and rockslide after a river burst its banks, and debris swept into the town, burying homes and residents. President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia declared a state of emergency after he visited the town.
The Fire departments acknowledged the network and the further support provided by mounting additional antennas. The Radio amateurs from La Plata and Garzón area were critical in supporting personnel and rescuers.
