Ham radio operators provide independent communications when conventional systems fail — coordinating relief and supporting officials during emergencies.
Wing team
- Director Om Kalugumalai Raja VU2KLG
- Joint Director Om Subramaniyan VU3MYW
Focus areas
- Establish networks when cell towers are down
- Coordinate large-scale relief efforts
- Regular training and drills for disaster preparedness
- HF, VHF, and UHF communication capabilities
Role in disasters
Amateur radio is independent of terrestrial infrastructure. Experienced operators can connect people, agencies, and emergency management when normal channels are overloaded or unavailable.
Examples worldwide include Hurricane Katrina, the Gujarat earthquake, Uttarakhand floods, Odisha super cyclone, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
RIRCOM service since 1993
Since establishment in 1993, RIRCOM has provided second-line communications during emergencies including tsunami response and heavy-rain flood information in southern India. Volunteers have supported district administration with numerous appreciations.
In a developing country, cost-effective radio networks help maintain skilled personnel who can organise local needs — a main criterion during disasters and natural calamities.
Get involved
Contact RIRCOM to volunteer with this wing or request training and outreach at your institution.