- QFES to deploy Disaster Assistance Response Team to New Zealand following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
- 25 Fire and Rescue Service specialist firefighters are departing today and tomorrow.
- They will undertake rapid damage assessments on the ground and boost numbers to local crews.
Specially trained members of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) AUS-1 Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) will provide significant assistance in New Zealand following severe flooding on the North Island.
Ex-Cyclone Gabrielle caused mass destruction and left more than 10,000 people displaced in its wake earlier this week.
The group of 25 Fire and Rescue Service Officers – including two from Fire and Rescue New South Wales, will be supported by a Liaison Officer and Support Officer as they embark on a three-week deployment to the hardest hit areas of the country.
The group is expected to arrive in New Zealand on Friday and Saturday, where they will work hand in hand with Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Once on the ground, DART personnel will undertake rapid damage assessments, a key component to identifying needs and assistance requirements for communities to begin the long process to recovery.
Quotes attributable to Minister Ryan: “Queensland is always willing to do anything we can to help our neighbours across the ditch during tough times,” he said.
“These are some of the most highly qualified personnel in the world, who train year-round in preparation for these situations.
“It’s not the first time our crews have assisted New Zealand, with the DART team deployed there in 2011 following the tragic Christchurch earthquake.
“I thank our dedicated men and women who are going over to offer their assistance at this very difficult time for New Zealand, and look forward to the team’s safe return back home.”
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach quotes: “Our personnel have extensive experience and I know they will be able to make a valuable contribution to the recovery once on the ground,” he said.
“They will travel with a range of equipment, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to assist them assess the damage.”
Background information:
- Disaster assistance response teams are deployed to crises overseas to help save lives and assist communities.
- They can respond to a range of disasters including earthquakes, cyclones and floods.
