Results of Belarusian emergency response team in Türkiye reviewed in Minsk

MINSK, 2 March (BelTA) - The results of the Belarusian response mission to Türkiye were summed up by Belarusian Emergencies Minister Vadim Sinyavsky said as he addressed a meeting of members of the Republican Special Response Team ZUBR, employees and cadets of the Emergencies Ministry at the University of Civil Protection, BelTA learned from the ministry's press service.

"It was the first time that you had to perform such a complex operational task. But you did the job effectively, boldly, responsibly and professionally," the minister said addressing the audience. “The whole country watched the news, your work. Not only have you done the work you have been trained to do. You have also shown our Belarusian soul that is ready to help any person in trouble. I want to thank you for your work. You saved six people. We are proud of you!”

The minister stressed that the mission in Türkiye demonstrated the professionalism of Belarusian rescuers. "This experience is unique. I am sure you will use it to develop further and improve."

The head of the Republican Special Response Team ZUBR Igor Zarembo recalled that on the instruction of the head of state, personnel was gathered and a rescue squad was put together on 6 February. It included 64 specialists. "28 officers and 36 people of ordinary and junior command staff (including 5 employees of the medical service and 5 canine teams), 2 MAZ trucks and 2 off-road cars, 9 tonnes of fire-fighting, rescue equipment," he said. "By the decision of the local authorities, the team was sent to Kahramanmaras."

The rescuers used K9 teams and special devices (video endoscope, thermal imaging camera) during their search works, and the entire range of emergency rescue equipment during the emergency and rescue works in the areas of structural collapse. “The Belarusian rescuers worked at 11 sites, and pulled the first victims out of the rubble on 9 February. The Belarusian rescuers found six people alive and pulled 45 bodies from quake debris,” Igor Zarembo said.

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Vadim Sinyavsky awarded the team members who directly participated in the rescue operation in Turkiye. The minister also awarded journalists of ONT TV channel and Belteleradiocompany, who made special reports from the scene of the emergency in the Republic of Turkiye.

Sniffer dogs also deserved awards, with their help in the rubble being considered invaluable.

Rescuers from the Republican Special Response Team ZUBR of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry laid flowers at the monumental sculpture dedicated to the rescuers who died in the line of duty.

The Republican Special Response Team ZUBR of the Emergencies Mniistry of belarus was founded on 15 May 1991 to produce an effective response to natural and manmade emergencies. In 2013 the Republican Special Response Team ZUBR was classified as an International Search and Rescue Team of heavy class and included in the INSARAG Registry. In 2018, it successfully passed reclassification and meets international requirements.