Between April 12th and 17th, the Minas Gerais Military Fire Department played host to a significant international event organized by the International Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
This event, closely associated with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, convened global leaders in urban search and rescue, along with various authorities in civil protection and defense.
The meeting was held in two parts and included participants from numerous fire departments across Brazil.
The initial segment of the event, focusing on Working Groups, occurred at the Military Firefighters Academy from April 12th to 14th.
These sessions, which were not open to the public, included the co-presidents of the groups, members from various countries, and representatives of the INSARAG Secretariat.
Discussions covered a range of critical issues such as medical care during major disasters, information management, flood rescue operations, and the classification of teams to maintain high standards of care.
The subsequent portion of the program, involving Team Leaders, took place from April 15th to 17th at the Administrative City, the largest architectural project in Minas Gerais designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
This part of the event drew over 300 attendees from 39 different nationalities.
It featured discussions and debates on various global disaster incidents, including the notable earthquake in Turkey in February 2023.
The entire event showcased an impressive display of logistical preparation and disaster management skills by the Minas Gerais Military Fire Department.
The logistics involved over a hundred military firefighters and approximately 30 vehicles, coordinating closely with both national and international authorities like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The INSARAG meeting held in Minas Gerais is a testament to the ongoing efforts in enhancing international collaboration and standardization in disaster response.
The gathering facilitated the sharing of best practices and recent experiences, such as the earthquake in Turkey, and helped in reinforcing the global community’s readiness for future emergencies.
These discussions are vital in shaping a coordinated approach to international humanitarian crises, particularly as the frequency and severity of such events continue to rise globally.
