The annual INSARAG regional group exercise for the Asia-Pacific region is currently underway in Jogjakarta (Indonesia).
For the first time, I.S.A.R. Germany is supporting the exercise management, ExCon, with personnel. The exercise also includes a simulated earthquake. An international request for assistance is issued, prompting both INSARAG and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to activate their aid mechanisms.
During the opening ceremony, the Indonesian representatives emphasised that the country would continue to welcome international aid in the event of a major disaster. However, this would have to be well coordinated and professional. The international aid workers would also have to be integrated into the national structures.
During the exercise, the participants also visited Mount Merapi, the nearest active volcano, around 30 kilometres north of Jogjakarta. In addition to earthquakes and landslides, volcanic eruptions are one of the biggest risks for the region.
