During the major earthquake in Taiwan in 1999, the amateur radio emergency communication service organized by civilians was a typical example.
On September 21, 1999, at 1:47 AM local time, a major earthquake struck central Taiwan, the largest in a century. The affected area was in complete chaos, with aftershocks continuing and widespread damage to buildings, leaving many dead and injured. There were also power outages and disruptions to public communications, making it impossible for the outside world to know what was happening. In addition, there were strong tremors felt throughout my province.
In this situation, the Taiwan Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Association (ARES), the Taiwan Amateur Radio Promotion Association, and amateur radio enthusiasts from across Taiwan immediately formed an emergency communication rescue team. They equipped themselves with various amateur radio equipment and traveled to disaster-stricken areas such as Nantou, Luchu Valley, Yuchih, Guosheng, Zhonglia, and Li-hsing to provide communication support for rescue efforts. They assisted victims in transmitting information to the outside world, helped local relief centers communicate with family and friends, and guided the transport of relief supplies to their correct destinations.
Due to the frequent communication between amateur radio operators in Fujian and Taiwan on the 40-meter band, several operators, including BA5XA (Longyan) and BA5TX (Zhangzhou), were monitoring for emergency communications from Taiwanese amateur radio stations. After the earthquake, these operators, including BA5RX (Fuzhou), were among the first to receive distress signals originating from Taiwan. These experienced amateur radio operators quickly formed an ad-hoc communication network to assist those unable to communicate due to the "distance effect" (where shortwave signals are more easily received at greater distances). This emergency support network was later taken over by the Fujian Province Radio Sports Association, which organized and coordinated a rotating 24-hour shift for all amateur radio operators in the province.
Over the subsequent four days and nights, this auxiliary network not only facilitated signal relay and maintained communication order, but also, with the support of Taiwanese ham radio operators, provided reassurance services to many Taiwanese residents and businesses who were unable to communicate due to damaged telecommunication lines. Through this special aerial bridge, approximately 180 Taiwanese residents and business owners on the mainland learned that their loved ones in Taiwan were safe. Subsequently, CCTV, Central People's Broadcasting Station, Fujian Television, Fujian Radio, major newspapers, and various disaster relief events all reported on this event, affectionately referring to the auxiliary communication network as "The Rainbow Across the Strait," praising Fujian's "ham radio operators" for their remarkable achievement.
For many years, amateur radio enthusiasts in Zhangzhou City have proactively participated in various large-scale events organized by the government and provided communication support for these events, which has been highly praised by relevant government departments.
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