THE REPUBLICAN SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM "ZUBR" IS UNDERGOING INSARAG PRE-CERTIFICATION EXERCISES

In a world where natural disasters and catastrophes are happening more often, effective international cooperation is essential to save lives. This mission is carried out by the UN International Advisory Group on Search and Rescue (INSARAG). On August 7-8, the Republican Search and Rescue TEAM of ROSN «ZUBR» conducts tactical and special exercises as part of the preparation of the Belarusian detachment for recertification according to INSARAG standards, which will take place next year.

According to the tactical plan, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake occurred in the state of Rosnali at a depth of 15 kilometers. The government of Rosnali reported that more than 2,000 people died, more than 30,000 were injured, and approximately 20,000 houses were destroyed. The estimated population of the affected area is 1,035,200 people. The government of the Republic of Rosali has appealed to the international community for assistance.

In real time, Belarusian rescuers will continuously work through the key stages of an international search and rescue operation. This includes receiving a request for assistance, training, and sending a team to another country. Special attention will be given to the international aspect, as per the UN methodology. The first arriving team will ensure the operation of the international coordination headquarters and organize the activities of the receiving and sending center for foreign search and rescue teams in the emergency area. The main goal of the organizers is to create a situation as close to real life as possible. For this purpose, based on the "Institute of Retraining and Professional Development" branch of the University of Civil Protection under the Ministry for Emergency Situations, an emergency area after a major earthquake was created, where rescuers will need to set up a base camp, carry out reconnaissance using dog teams, technical reconnaissance devices, search for and evacuate victims from under the rubble, and provide them with necessary medical assistance.

In total, 69 people, 6 search and rescue dogs, and 7 pieces of equipment are involved in the exercises. Colleagues from the State Central Airmobile Rescue Unit of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of Russia, "Tsentrospas", are evaluating the actions of the Belarusian team.

For reference, in 2013, the Belarusian search and rescue team, based on the Republican Special Response Team, brilliantly passed the INSARAG certification, receiving high praise from international experts. The team demonstrated a high level of professionalism and ability to carry out complex operations, such as dismantling rubble and rescuing victims. It has been certified as a heavy-duty unit and is included on the list of recommended units by the United Nations to respond to emergencies around the world.

In 2018, the ROSN ZUBR team confirmed its high status as a heavy-class unit by undergoing recertification with the INSARAG. INSARAG experts praised the high level of equipment of the team and the professionalism of the Belarusian rescuers, who are capable of carrying out simultaneous operations at multiple sites. The Belarusian rescuers have also demonstrated their professionalism during the aftermath of the 2023 earthquake in Turkey.

Belarusian rescue workers are highly skilled professionals, and participation in INSARAG allows them to not only continuously improve their skills but also provide assistance to people in various parts of the world.