UPDATE FRIDAY MARCH 27
Welcome home to Hurstville firefighters, back from Vanuatu
Urban Search and Rescue Team crews, including Hurstville firefighters, have now returned from Vanuatu and have started demob processing at the Disaster Response Centre.
One of the best stories of the deployment came when we were tasked with repairing the Vila North School. Crews were greeted by staff and parents when they arrived and after some brief introductions they got to work repairing sections of the roof.
Statement from FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins:
Australian Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force members welcomed home by FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and NSW Ambulance Deputy Commissioner Mike Willis in front of a media contingency at Sydney Airport today. The Task Force of 56 emergency services personnel had completed 50 rapid damage assessments on health, education and government buildings that were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. Some of the team's work included repairs to the Port Vila Hospital, public schools in and around Port Vila and a maternity centre.
March 17: Hurstville firefighters will join an emergency services team to cyclone-devastated Vanuatu.
The urban search and rescue team of 54 left Richmond RAAF base Tuesday afternoon for Port Vila.
There are 42 firefighters, six paramedics, a police officer, an Emergency Management Australia member, two doctors and two engineers.
They will work on clearing critical infrastructure especially the old Port Vila Hospital, severely damaged by cyclone Pam.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the taskforce was in a good position to respond to the recovery effort.
“I am proud FRNSW can help the people of Vanuatu in their hour of need,” he said.
“The fire engines, firefighting protective clothing and equipment in use in Vanuatu are ones which we donated, so we already have a close bond with the emergency services in that country.”
The taskforce is taking several tonnes of equipment including tents, drinking water, food and generators and can be self-sufficient for up to 14 days.
