KAZAN, Sept 8: More than 50 emergency responders from Russia and Malaysia spent 18 hours dealing with the aftermath of a simulated earthquake during a joint exercise held on the sidelines of the Integrated Safety and Security Exhibition in Kazan.

According to the exercise scenario, the earthquake struck the Republic of Idelistan near its capital, the city of Salkyn. The disaster resulted in casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Under these circumstances, the republic’s National Emergency Situations Agency requested international assistance.

Russian and Malaysian emergency responders were among the first to respond to the government’s appeal for help. Working side by side, specialists from the two countries searched for and rescued simulated victims, set up field hospitals and temporary camps, and provided the affected population with food, drinking water and essential medicines.

The practical part of the exercise took place at a modern training complex for firefighters and emergency responders, which was built specifically for the exhibition. The teams operated across six different areas, including high-altitude locations, collapsed structures and labyrinths, using specialized rescue equipment.

The exercise was conducted in accordance with the standards and procedures used for international classification under the methodology of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

The tasks were successfully completed by Russian emergency responders from the Khabarovsk Krai, Siberian and Volga Regional Search and Rescue units, the Kazan Search and Rescue Team, as well as the Centrospas rescue unit. They worked alongside their Malaysian counterparts throughout the exercise.

Joint exercises of this kind strengthen cooperation between emergency responders from different countries while providing an opportunity to exchange professional experience, knowledge and practical skills.

“Only through joint efforts can we effectively address challenges on such a large scale and build a common safe future for our current and future generations. Unity of purpose and mutual assistance are a reliable shield that helps protect what is most precious — human lives,” said Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov. – RT