In responding to the potential relief activities for the August 24th earthquake in central Italy, PWJ’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team concluded not to deploy the team.

Immediately after the disaster, PWJ organized a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team with Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD). The team and a SAR dog first flew to Istanbul and arrived in the morning of the 25th, where the team was greeted by our Turkish counterpart organization, GEA, and conducted extensive needs assessment. However, due to the prompt response by the thousands of rescue workers from the Italian National Fire Corps, the Army, and the Police Forces, the Italian government declared that there was no need for an international intervention.

Our joint SAR team decided to remain in Turkey for a few days and train with GEA to strengthen search and rescue capabilities and fortify our partnership through cooperative training for future SAR missions.

Our prayers are for the families and communities affected by this disaster in Italy.