UAE rescue teams start work in Sumatra

Sumatra: A UAE search and rescue team has embarked on rescue operations across 10 locations in Indonesia's Sumatra island which was hit by a powerful earthquake last week.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Deputy Director of Emergency and Safety at Abu Dhabi Police, said the UAE team, in coordination with other international rescue organisations, had conducted an assessment of the disaster in areas closest to the city.

The rescue operations are in line with the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to provide all forms of assistance to earthquake victims on the island.

"Unhampered by heavy rains, the team started rescue operations in 10 locations in the quake-affected Indonesian island of Sumatara and recovered several bodies from under the rubble," Lt Col Al Nuaimi said.

The team established coordination with the UN office and other international teams. The team's members demonstrated extraordinary skills and efficiency in dealing with around-the-clock emergency situations," Lt. Col Al Nuaimi added.

The 65-member team is equipped with latest devices for rescue and recovery.