Cheshire firefighters deployed to Mozambique to assist with flooding rescue efforts
Two Cheshire firefighters join UK team in response to Mozambique national emergency
Two firefighters from Cheshire have travelled to Mozambique to assist with rescue efforts following catastrophic flooding.
Crew Manager Ant Naylor and Firefighter Daz Roberts are part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team made up of 36 specialists, deployed to the flood-stricken country on 21st January. The team, mobilised through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will offer critical support and technical search and rescue skills as the country faces devastating impacts from flooding.
Mozambique has declared a national emergency, with reports suggesting more than 500,000 people have been affected by the severe floods.
Extensive training prepares firefighters for disaster zones
Both Ant and Daz have undertaken specialist international training through UKISAR in countries including Switzerland, Singapore and Sweden. Crew Manager Ant has served as part of the team for two years, while Daz has been involved for over eight years.
Speaking before their deployment, Daz said: “We’re feeling some trepidation about heading into a natural disaster zone because we don’t fully know what we’re going into at this moment.”
Ant added: “This is what we’ve trained for, and we’re ready to do everything we can to support the people who need our help.”
UKISAR functions as a part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s National Resilience programme, staying on permanent standby to respond to international emergencies. The team’s current mission includes supporting local emergency services and aiding the communities most severely affected.