FEBRURY 10 @ 0530Z – Vlad reports that power went out on the island at 11pm Saturday local. At his QTH he was not directly affected so antennas survived but a little “beaten up”. Cyclone Gelena is now moving away from Rodrigues. No word on when flights will resume.

FEBRUARY 9 @ 2200z – “At 2200 hours intense tropical cyclone GELENA was centered at about 175 km almost to the west of Rodrigues, that is in latitude 19.4 degrees South and longitude 61.8 degrees East. The rapid fall in atmospheric pressure confirms that Gelena is dangerously approaching the Island. It is moving at a speed of about 25 km/h and will pass within 50 km to the southwest of Plaine Corail at its closest distance. Intense tropical cyclone Gelena is now an imminent and direct threat to Rodrigues. Cyclonic conditions will start to prevail in the next couple of hours”. LINK

FEBRUARY 9 @ 1300z – Vlad is still active today from Rodrigues even with the threat of Cyclone Gelena nearby. Weather forecasts suggest the cyclone will “dangerously approach Rodrigues and constitute a direct threat to the island“. For that reason, Vlad’s scheduled departure fight has been cancelled and he remains on Rodrigues. He also reports his antennas “are still there” despite the strengthening wind.

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The view from the 3B9VB shack window (c) DX-WORLD

JANUARY 31, 2019 – Following his recent activity from Mauritius, Vlad UA4WHX is now active from Rodrigues Island, together with Kostia US5ETV, as 3B9VB. He mentions his QTH is at the top of a mountain with clear view between 220 left and 150 right. QRV on usual bands.

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