A team of 32
officers and a dog from the Department of Civil Protection left Malta to
provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Turkey as this country is
struggling from the devastating earthquakes. The officers shall assist the
Turkish teams in searching and rescuing the people trapped under the debris of
collapsed buildings. The operations are known as MUSAR (Medium Urban Search and
Rescue) and HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue).
Whenever a
natural disaster occurs in a foreign country that impacts its people directly, the Civil Protection always
sees how it can assist with humanitarian aid through the European Union Civil
Protection mechanism.
The Ministry
for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade will also assist with a financial
contribution through the Overseas Development Aid to cover humanitarian aid.
Diplomatic
communication between the two countries is ongoing so that Malta can assist
more in these difficult moments.
In a rapid
manner and in a very short time, the Civil Protection Department coordinated
the traveling arrangements for a team of specially trained officers to get to
Turkey.
Before leaving
Malta, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg and
Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri
recognised the commitment of the Maltese officers. They thanked them for the
assistance they would be giving on behalf of Malta, even if at risk to
themselves, to save lives.
