[WWYC] special callsign 5K20A operation

[oscar eduardo reyes salazar]

On November 13, 1985 the snow around the Arena crater of the Nevado del Ruiz 
volcano melted, producing a huge and devastating avalanche of mud and rock 
that completely destroyed the Colombian City of Armero. This is the major 
volcano originated catastrophe endured by Colombia in its history, the 
landslide killed almost 25,000 people and material losses were priceless.

Given the poor communication of the time and the lack of coordination 
between rescue teams (national-local authorities and non governmental 
organizations) assistance from radio amateurs was paramount in directing aid 
in the rescue efforts and bringing in the much-needed resources. This 
support later brought about monitoring of the volcano and contributed to the 
establishment of emergency committees, a basic requirement in preventing and 
lessening the effects of future disasters.

Twenty years later, these committees continue to assess tasks during 
emergencies and plan for the future. Ham operators today recognize the past 
efforts of our colleagues in helping others throughout the long hours of 
work during this tragedy, honoring their labor with this special callsign 
5K20A, which will be on the air from the prior Armero-Guayabal disaster 
site, authorized by the Colombian Ministry of Communications through 
enactment No. 002421 of October 24, 2005. We will operate from November 10- 
14, being the 13th the special date our operation being on the air 
throughout the total 24-hour period.

Operation is being coordinated and operated by HK3FXE, Mr. Alberto José 
Suárez
and qsl managre is HK3SGP

73 and good dx oscar HK6PRO/HK3

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