Three Urban Search and Rescue containers are handed over to three earthquake-affected municipalities.

The Albanian Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) achieves a significant milestone with the handover of three Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) containers to the municipalities of Durrës, Lezhë, and Fier.

The handover is part of the project "Strengthening the Capacities of the Albanian Fire and Rescue Service," which aims to enhance the capacity and ability of the firefighters to respond effectively to natural and manmade disasters.

The USAR containers are equipped with the latest and highest quality tools and equipment's for search-and-rescue operations during earthquakes, such as hydraulic rescue tools, concrete cutters, acoustic and thermal imaging cameras, and other devices necessary for rescue operations.

The containers are organized in accordance with international standards, ensuring that all equipment is stored safely and in a ready-to-use state.

The Government of Poland provided the funding for this project which is implemented by UNDP after the devastating earthquake of November 2019. 

The Albanian government has been committed to improving the country's disaster response capacity ever since, and this handover of the USAR containers is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

The handover was followed by a one-day training programme for the firefighters of the respective municipalities to ensure that they are well-equipped to use and maintain the equipment correctly. 

The availability of these modern tools and equipment’s will significantly improve the logistical and operational capacities of the firefighters in response to natural and manmade disasters, making a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Durrës, Lezhë, and Fier.

The handover of the USAR containers represents a significant achievement for the Albanian Fire and Rescue Service, and the impact of this project will be felt for many years to come.