Firefighters Dan Eves and Chris Ammundsen are part of the 36-strong UK International Search and Rescue team, made up of firefighters from ten fire and rescue services across the country, deployed through the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, to support Mozambique’s flood response.
Dan, who is based at Eastleigh, and Chris, at Basingstoke, were part of the initial contingent who flew out earlier this week.
The teams will commence operations in Maputo province and in Xai-Xai, north of the flood area, today. This includes efforts to rescue people trapped by floodwater.
Torrential rain has caused severe flooding in the south African country, where more than 100 people have died, thousands of homes have been damaged, and tens of thousands of people are facing evacuation.
The UK ISAR team is part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) National Resilience function and responds primarily to overseas urban or flood search and rescue emergencies on behalf of the UK and are all trained to use specialist kit, including flood rescue boats and drones. They are sponsored and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The team is drawn from 14 UK fire and rescue services and are trained to operate in complex and high-risk environments overseas, providing specialist search and rescue capability in response to major international emergencies.
Over the past few years members of the HIWFRS USAR team have been involved in a number of responses, including to earthquakes in Morocco and Turkey, as well as a building collapse in Jersey.
Group Manager Phil Foxton said:
“Our Urban Search and Rescue firefighters who volunteer to be in UKISAR, such as Dan and Chris, are trained and equipped to help in situations like this.
“We are very proud to see two of our own involved in this UKISAR response to Mozambique.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a team of firefighters ready to travel across the world at a moment’s notice, to help save lives, and we know from recent mobilisations, that their work is hugely appreciated, and their actions commended.”
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said:
“The thoughts of the UK fire and rescue service are with all those affected by the devastating flooding in Mozambique and parts of neighbouring South Africa.
“Around the world, communities are increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change and more frequent and severe extreme weather events, which place enormous pressure on local response and rescue capabilities.
“Following a request for international assistance, specially trained firefighters from across the UK are being deployed to support the response on the ground, bringing vital specialist flood and water rescue skills.
“Our teams will work closely with local authorities and international partners to support rescue efforts and help protect lives during these extremely challenging conditions.”
