IARU Region 3 Calls on Amateurs to Keep Emergency Frequencies Clear After Major Indonesian Earthquake

The International Amateur Radio Union Region 3 (IARU R3) has issued an urgent request for radio amateurs across the region to keep two emergency frequencies clear following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara region on 15 August. Preliminary reports indicate building damage and disruption to normal communications infrastructure in several affected areas.

Amateur radio is being used to support emergency and disaster-response communications, and operators are being asked to avoid causing interference on the following frequencies: 7.110 MHz on 40 metres and 145.100 MHz on 2 metres. IARU Region 3 advises that 7.110 MHz is being used for HF emergency communications, while 145.100 MHz is being used for local VHF coordination in affected areas.

The request is simple and important: keep these frequencies clear, give absolute priority to emergency traffic, and monitor without transmitting unless specifically asked to assist. The IARU Region 3 Disaster Communication Committee, together with emergency communications coordinators and regional officials, remains on standby to support requests for amateur radio assistance.

Australian amateurs are encouraged to exercise good operating discipline and help ensure that vital emergency communications are not disrupted. In situations like this, leaving a frequency clear can be just as useful as making a contact.

Full details are available from IARU Region 3:

Link

Page Last Updated: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 at 19:16 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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