Amateur Radio operators became involved in the rescue effort soon after the March 11, 8.9 earthquake and devastating tsunami that hit northern Japan, and that effort continues nearly two weeks later.

‘In the early stage following the earthquake and tsunami, several radio amateurs were able to activate their stations with car batteries or small engine generators, despite the electric power outages’, IARU Region 3 Secretary Ken Yamamoto, JA1CJP, told the ARRL.

‘They transmitted rescue requests and information on the disaster situation