Photo of Belarus' Emergencies Ministry
MINSK, 25 July (BelTA) - A delegation from the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry is participating in an international rescue training in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, Russia, the ministry’s press service told BelTA.
Several days ago, specialists of the Russian and Belarusian Emergencies Ministry gathered in North Ossetia to undergo advanced training in mountaineering. This was the first time Belarus participated in the training. The Tsey Gorge has served as a key training site for mountain rescue specialists for three consecutive years. The training program included both theoretical instruction and intensive practical exercises, covering techniques for rock climbing with safety equipment, first aid and evacuation methods, hiking on across trails of varying difficulty, detailed preparation of search-and-rescue gear, sessions on organizing rescue operations in mountainous terrain, analysis of accident causes and weather-related hazards. The instructors were experienced rescuers from the Southern Federal District and the North Caucasus Federal District.
The Belarusian rescuers came to Tsey to exchange experience and study search and rescue methods in unfamiliar terrain under difficult weather conditions. “Our team includes specialists from each regional office, highly trained professionals, including members of the national rescue pentathlon team,” said Aleksei Khutornoi, Chief Specialist of the Department for Emergency and Facility-Based Rescue Services at the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry. “They regularly participate in championships held in Belarus and by Russia’s EMERCOM. We came to Tsey to establish cooperation with our Russian colleagues, share expertise, and study new techniques. The knowledge gained will be used to enhance our country’s search and rescue capabilities.”
The Belarusian group reached the assault camp site at 3,000 meters, despite the rain, thunderstorms, and lightning. After setting up camp and spending the night, they began their ascent to the summit.
On 22 July, the rescuers completed a training ascent of Mount Sadonkhoh (3,600 m). On 23 July, they joined Russian colleagues for a joint ascent of the Rescuers’ Peak (3,593 m), dedicating their ascent to Firefighters’ Day in Belarus.
During the ascents, they practiced a range of additional tactical scenarios, including group movement in rope teams, simulated falls and rescue of team members, first aid using improvised materials, evacuation of injured persons across varied terrain. The Belarusian rescuers successfully completed all tasks, demonstrating exceptional technical, physical, and psychological preparedness.
On 25 July, the Belarusian rescuers summarized their climbing activities, completed assessments in mountain medicine and safety. After that, they were cleared to undertake more challenging ascents.
In the coming days, they will embark on an autonomous mountain expedition, tackling several more peaks that demand even greater physical endurance and heightened attention to safety from all participants.
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