Special shortwave transmissions to North Queensland due to Cyclone Yasi

Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasi will hit the northern Queensland coast between Cairns and Townsville within the next few hours. Much damage to houses, property and infrastructure is anticipated within this area when the cyclone hits the coastline. Flooding and very high winds will also be a major problem for those people who haven’t managed to leave the area. Because of this the local ABC and commercial broadcasters expect severe damage to landbased TV and radio transmitters within the region. The ABC has requested Radio Australia to transmit the ABC’s northern Queensland regional radio service using a shortwave transmitter at Shepparton, Victoria to northern Queensland until further notice.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting that Tropical Cyclone Yasi will hit land around 1200 to 1400 UTC and then produce a very large rain depression which could see around 350mm fall into northern and central Australia.

Schedule

*2100-0830 UTC on 9710 kHz 353deg
*0830-2100 UTC on 6080 kHz 005deg
The transmitter being used is a brand new 100KW Continental which is DRM capable.

Internet links


*Latest news: www.abc.net.au/news/

*Latest meteorological information: www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml
*View satellite display of Tropical Cyclone Yasi in almost real time:
www.bom.gov.au/products/IDE00902.loop.shtml
(Source: Nigel Holmes/Radio Australia via Mike Bird/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)