12/08/2026
We have received the following information from the IARU EmCom network:
Hi,
this update was received from Carlos this morning. From this email and other information I have, it looks like all communications are being handled on VHF repeaters at the moment and those repeaters are having to step in where the normal infrastructure has failed. There were no images attached to the email but from WhatsApp, they were general images of masts and equipment.
73,
Greg, G0DUB
IARU Region 1 Emergency Communications Co-Ordinator
COLOMBIAN AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS CONTINUE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE
Throughout this afternoon and evening, we have maintained contact with
Faber Mosquera (HK6F) and José Fernando Vélez (HK4VEL). They are
deeply involved in emergency communications for the Colombian Amateur
Radio League (LCR) as part of rescue and relief efforts for those
affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck this morning at
07:34 local time. The quake's epicenter was in the municipality of San
José del Palmar, Chocó, and it has been followed by several
aftershocks exceeding magnitude 2.0.
We have learned that colleagues from the Asociación de
Radioaficionados del Eje Cafetero (ASOREC) —an LCR-affiliated group
(call sign HK6REC) based in Dos Quebradas, Risaralda— have made their
communications infrastructure, including repeater stations, available
to support communications in Pereira. Pereira is believed to be the
area that sustained the most significant damage from the earthquake.
ASOREC volunteers are operating under the leadership of their
president, Nahir Rios (HK6JSP), and —at least for the time being— have
supplies of water, food, and backup power sufficient for 72 hours.
This Monday evening, colleagues from the Radio Club of Antioquia
maintained contact with ASOREC members in Dos Quebradas via the
repeater station located on Padre Amaya Hill in Medellín (operating on
146.910 MHz), as well as through the Eje Cafetero frequency of 146.070
MHz. Additionally, we learned that the Liga Radio Manizales (LRM)
—call sign HK6RM— linked their Echolink* system to the national
frequency, thereby establishing a connection with ASOREC. Meanwhile,
Faber Mosquera (HK6F), the LCR’s Emergency Coordinator, joined the
USAR COL-17 team —the Urban Search and Rescue unit of the Colombian
Red Cross (Quindío Chapter) —as it deployed to the city of Cali.
These Colombian amateur radio operators, maintaining links across the
country, are supporting search and rescue operations that are a race
against time to save as many lives as possible in the wake of this
disaster.
At the same time, emergency coordinators from various countries in
Central America and the Caribbean are closely monitoring the excellent
work of our Colombian colleagues, ready to provide any assistance we
can.
We once again thank Faber and José Fernando for the information they
have provided.
The images are courtesy of ASOREC and the LCR. They show the work
being done by these members to keep repeater stations operational.
They are proving crucial work for maintaining communications.
*Echolink: A free system for amateur radio operators that uses the
internet and Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to connect traditional
radios with computers and smartphones via the internet.
