The bad memories of Hurricane Helene’ s destruction remain fresh in the minds of many, with widespread destruction and the death toll now over 200. Communications networks were knocked out in many affected locales during the storm and, due to the extent of the devastation, have not been fully restored in some areas. Mobile phone and Internet service, the lifeblood of many─remain spotty particularly in isolated areas.

But one form of communications, which has been around for many decades, did not go out during the hurricane─amateur radio. Called ham radio, amateur radio bands have long been the province of dedicated operators, who obtain ham radio licenses to get permission to communicate on specific radio bands.

During Hurricane Helene, as well as other emergencies, ham radio operators performed a valuable service by helping to connect people to loved ones unable to reach each other through landline or mobile phone networks. The stereotypes of ham radio operators─aging technogeeks with low social skills who are obsessed with what many conceive as a boring pastime─have rightfully or wrongly, characterized them. However, one cannot deny the valuable service they provide during crises.

Check out this video from a North Carolina TV news program that details the role ham radio operators played in western North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. The ham radio operator interviewed noted that amateur radio does not require complicated infrastructure and can help people in any part of the world.

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