Over 159 representatives of search and rescue units from 42 countries and UN staff have met in Tokyo in recent days.
The latest missions were analysed at the annual INSARAG Team Leaders Meeting in the Japanese capital. New innovations and initiatives were also presented.
The proposal by I.S.A.R. Germany to provide the team for the so-called Reception Departure Centre (RDC) at the central airport of a disaster region in future was met with great interest at the meeting. As part of the „RDC Support Module“ presented, the members of the team are to receive comprehensive training that goes beyond the already established training, e.g. as a liaison officer.
The experts would fly to the affected country immediately after an international request for assistance and establish initial contact with the local authorities. They would also coordinate the arrival and departure of international aid teams at the airport in the RDC.
The RDCs have already proved their worth in operations with search and rescue teams. The aim is to also set them up for major disasters when there is a greater need for medical aid teams, for example.
In the picture: Mareike Illing in the „RDC Key Issue“ session and participants.
