A TEAM of firefighters from South Wales has been sent to Nepal as part of international rescue efforts following the devastating earthquakes which have hit the country.

They join over 70 personnel who have flown out as part of the UK’s Fire and Rescue International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) mission.

The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) Firefighters, who are from Cardiff and Bridgend, are highly-skilled technical experts in search and rescue, who have taken part in previous international deployments such as New Zealand and Indonesia. The team, all volunteers, are ready for deployment at all times on behalf of the UK Government.

The South Wales contingent are specialists in line rescue, technical rescue, and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) which will be used to support the rescue operations already underway.

Huw Jakeway, Chief Fire Officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said, “We are proud that firefighters from South Wales are willing and able to help and support the Nepalese people in this time of disaster. They are highly trained specialists, who will work closely with their Search and Rescue counterparts from across the UK.”

“The thoughts of everyone at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are with the people of Nepal, with our expert team and with everyone supporting the international mission.”

For more information on the Nepal Earthquake and UK efforts, please visit www.gov.uk and the Department for International Development (DFID).