First assignment for I.S.A.R. Germany - Flood disaster Thailand 2004

26.12.2004 - 07:58 local time - An earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 shakes the Indian Ocean. The epicentre is 85 kilometres off the coast of Sumatra. The third strongest quake ever recorded triggers a tidal wave in the Pacific. The coasts of numerous countries are flooded and completely destroyed. The quake kills 230,000 people.

Test for the relief team

The disaster is the starting signal for a worldwide relief operation. Rescue teams from numerous countries set off for the disaster region to help the people in need. I.S.A.R. Germany is among the relief teams for the first time. The mission will be the first test for the still young team from the Duisburg-based aid organisation.

Commitment demanded everything from us

One day after the disaster in the Indian Ocean, the aid team is on its way to Thailand with rescue dog handlers, rescue specialists, paramedics and emergency doctors. The German embassy assigns I.S.A.R. a deployment area near the holiday region of Khao Lak. The team searches intensively for survivors, without success. The tidal wave had swept everything away. There was virtually no chance of survival for the people in the affected region. In the meantime, I.S.A.R.'s base camp has become a port of call for many German tourists. They are supported in their search for their loved ones or receive emotional support from the I.S.A.R. team.

"Our first mission challenged us immediately, but we were also able to learn a lot," says I.S.A.R. President Dr Daniela Lesmeister. She is one of the founding members of the aid organisation. "Back then, none of us had any idea what an incredible development I.S.A.R. Germany would one day undergo."