As part of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) response following the earthquake and consequential tsunami in Japan, 12 West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service personal are being deployed.  

The earthquake struck at 1446 local time (0546 GMT) on Friday, March 11, with the request for mobilisation from the Department For International Development (DFID) coming shortly afterwards. 

The UK team is made up personnel from West Midlands, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, West Sussex, and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services. In total there are 63 personnel, two search dogs and 11 tonnes of equipment. 

Chief Fire Officer Vij Randeniya, said "Our International Search and Rescue team, like many from other UK fire and rescue services, has only just returned from supporting the work in New Zealand. However, it is testament to their professionalism and dedication to this role that they are ready and prepared to respond to the tragic events in Japan in such a short space of time. Once again, the request for our support is recognition from other countries that our ISAR team is one of the best in the world." 

 

Picture taken during the rescue efforts in New Zealand.

 

Posted: 10.00am, 14.03.11