Hams Help After Disasters in Italy, Louisiana

Flooding in Louisiana is said to be the worst natural disaster
to hit the US since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
(FEMA photo by J.T. Blatty)

Amateur radio operators responded to provide emergency and backup communications in the aftermath of massive flooding in Louisiana and a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in Italy.

According to the ARRL Letter, hams from Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas provided communications for Red Cross shelters throughout the flood area for six days. 

In Italy, amateurs were providing unspecified communication chores in accordance with "their planned response with their government," according to the International Amateur Radio Union. The earthquake claimed hundreds of lives and was responsible for significant damage centered on the tourist town of Amatrice.