07/19/2021

International Amateur Radio Union (IARU[1]) Region 1 Emergency Communications
Coordinator Greg Mossop, G0DUB, reported over the weekend that amateur radio
volunteers have responded in the wake of widespread and catastrophic flooding
in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The flooding, resulting from
unprecedented heavy rainfall, has claimed more than 120 lives. Hundreds more
remain unaccounted for.

The Dutch Amateur Radio Emergency Service (DARES) was on standby since July 14,
as the first reports of flooding came in. An initial attempt to establish a
point-to-point link from the provincial capital of Maastricht to the north of
Limburg province was halted due to heavy traffic, as residents evacuated
low-lying areas. DARES volunteers were in contact with members of the Belgian
Emergency Amateur Radio Service (B-EARS) to coordinate their efforts.

The European Civil Protection Mechanism was activated, and emergency groups
across the region reported their governments were sending extra assistance and
supplies to the areas where damage was worst. The flood water surge continued
to make its way north, leading to further evacuations, and amateur radio
emergency groups focused on requests for assistance. B-EARS asked to provide a
backup VHF link between the emergency call center in Brussels and the province
of Hainaut through Friday, while DARES had four stations active in the Limburg
area ready to respond if needed.

The greatest loss of life and damage has occurred in Germany, where more than
1,000 residents remain unaccounted for. The loss of mobile telecommunication
networks has slowed the effort to locate people, while many others are without
power or homes. The emergency communications unit of the Deutscher Amateur
Radio Club (DARC[2]) has been handling inquiries for amateur radio support in
the worst-hit areas, but members in the area have been flood victims as well,
losing equipment or their homes.

"Amateur radio clubs have been in contact with relevant authorities, but there
is currently no need for operational support from radio amateurs," the DARC
reported. A mutual aid arrangement exists among amateur radio organizations in
Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Mossop said emergency communications
groups in the affected and surrounding regions are ready to respond to requests
and have been coordinating their efforts as needed.

"This emergency will last for some time as infrastructure is repaired and the
threat from damaged dams and more rainfall is reduced," Mossop said. -- Thanks
to IARU, DARC    

[1] http://www.iaru.org/
[2] https://www.darc.de/

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