Ham operator Suwil Wilson (VU2IT) along with 16 Ham operators from Thiruvananthapuram have set up an emergency cell at the District Collectorate in the city. “The centre here has been functional since Thursday and we have been getting in touch with other hams to get a clear picture of the situation and also pass on information to those in charge of relief and rescue operations. Today, we had a meeting with Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan and the Collector Dr. K. Vasuki. The Minister has issued instructions for such centres to be opened in Pathanamthitta and Idukki Collectorates as well. We managed to contact Ham operators in both the districts and they are on their way,” explains Suwil, head of IT division at the Energy Management Centre and the only HAM in in Thiruvananthapuram to receive the DX century club certificate, for communicating with stations in more than 100 countries within an year. On account of the precarious situation in both districts, some of the hams are apparently stuck in some places and have not been able to reach the Collectorates there, adds Suwil. Moreover, the hams are also passing on information to neighbouring districts to aid the rescue operations that are on in full swing. Most of the requests are for help to rescue those marooned in places like Pathanamthitta, Aranmula, Aluva and Parur. Two other control rooms are functioning in the Collectorate and the information is passed on to them immediately. “Since yesterday, we have handled over distress 500 calls from flood-hit areas in Kerala,” says Suwil. Ham radio control room, Thiruvananthapuram: Suwil 9037564373; Saji (VU3SQG) 9895926358; Abhijit 9846574361(VU3OSV)

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