Rescue workers return from Japan

A team of 12 Mongolian rescue workers returned home on Monday after 5 days in areas hit by tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Team leader Lt. Ts.Erdenebileg yesterday answered media questions on their experience.

Why did you go to Sendai and when did you start your work?

The Japanese Foreign Ministry had sought our help in Sendai, the worst hit area and we arrived there in the evening of March 16. We began working in the Notari coast next morning, along with a team from Taiwan.

Were conditions very difficult?

They were in that most damaged area. It was full of mud and slush, very cold with strong winds. There were also regular after shocks, of lower intensity.

What did you mainly do?

We first looked for bodies trapped under the debris, and found three. When we were sure there were no more bodies, we cleared the rubble systematically. It had to be done carefully and meticulously.

You yourself were trained abroad. How did this help?

My training in Russia in 2002 and 2003 and a further training in earthquake rescue in Turkey in 2010 helped in every step. As team leader, I was responsible for the rescuers’ life. It is a principle of our work that a rescue worker must be secure before he can help others.

How do you compare Mongolian rescue workers with those from other countries?

Every country has its own way of doing things. Mongolians have the skills and the stamina but some of our equipment needs upgrading and updating.

Were you frightened?

A rescue worker is psychologically prepared for scenes of calamity. We were not frightened but it was very moving to see how ruinous it was.

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