SB QST @ ARL $ARLB014
ARLB014 Kansas Hams Responding in Tornado's Aftermath

ZCZC AG14
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 14  ARLB014
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  April 24, 2001
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB014
ARLB014 Kansas Hams Responding in Tornado's Aftermath

Amateur Radio operators are responding in the wake of an F4 tornado
that ripped through the small Central Kansas town of Hoisington
April 21. The twister left one dead and dozens injured and caused
millions of dollars in damage.

Kansas Section Manager Orlan Cook, W0OYH, reports an HF station is
on the air from near the Hoisington Fire Station. HF nets have been
established on 7.253.5 MHz and 3.920 MHz. Kansas Section Traffic
Manager Ron Cowan, KB0DTI, is anticipating a good deal of
health-and-welfare traffic, although there is telephone service and
power in the stricken community. Cook said an emergency
communication van from Salina was set to arrive. Among those
reported on their way to Hoisington was ARRL Midwest Division Vice
Director Bruce Frahm, K0BJ. Assistant Director Ross Stevens, W0XJ,
already is on the scene.

It's been estimated that a quarter to a third of the town of 3000
received damage.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are among the
responding agencies, and hams on scene are expected to be supporting
their activities.

Kansas Section Emergency Coordinator Joseph Plankinton, WD0DMV,
reports he still needs communication help at Hoisington.

Authorities in the town said no one saw the tornado coming. News
accounts say warning sirens were not sounded.
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