HAM Radio Network to help disaster communications

T H I R U V A N A N - THAPURAM: Steps will be taken to formalise the role of HAM amateur radio network in disaster communications, said Kerala Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. He was responding to a representation made by a member of the HAM radio community on their readiness and availability to act in disaster situations during a discussion on the topic ‘Media and Disasters’ here on Friday. Organised in connection with the ongoing international workshop on disaster risk reduction and contingency planning, Surakshaayanam 2012, representatives of the media including Deputy Editor, Frontline Ventikesh Ramakrishnan, Associate Editor of India Today M G Radhakrishnan and Malayala Manorama Bureau Chief John Mundakkayam delineated various aspects of media reportage on disaster management. Opening the session, Venkitesh, who chaired the discussion, said that media has a role before and during the disaster; disseminating crucial information to the public Radhakrishnan called for sensitising the media on disaster and disaster management aspects and noted that media’s role should be positioned against practicalities including pressures of commercial media and the superfl uous nature of mainstream media. John Mundakayyam said the general perception is that disaster management is seen as a rescue operation and not as a science. Communicating more information on disaster management will enable the public to take preventive measures in future situation. The speakers highlighted the need for raising media awareness on disaster and management efforts by bridging the gap between media and scientifi c community, and the use of technology in disaster communications. Dr K Sekar of the Bangalore-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences spoke on the psycho-social issues said post-disaster mental trauma should not be misconstrued as mental illness.