From October 13 to 15, Tavush Urban Search and Rescue Team held a 32-hour field exercise on "Organization and execution of search and rescue operations in case of a major rarthquake" aligned with INSARAG standards in Ijevan.

According to the scenario, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in the morning, 2 km northeast from Azatamut village with an epicenter at a depth of 10 km.

During the exercise, fire and rescue squads responded promptly to various situations within the disaster zone, implementing search operations for individuals stuck in a tunnel, as well as the safe evacuation of casualties and the provision of first aid.

"The purpose of the exercise is to assess capabilities of Tavush Urban Search and Rescue team and specific procedures regarding the deployment of their command post and the execution of rescue operations", noticed Narek Safaryan, an instructor of Population Protection Department of Tavush Regional Rescue Department under the Rescue Service of the MIA.

Upon receiving an warning, Tavush Urban Search and Rescue team initiated rapid response measures. The operative sectors were designated, after which the team proceeded to conduct search and rescue operations and demobilization.

Through teamwork, coordination, the prompt relay of commands and collaborative problem-solving, the participating rescuers successfully accomplished their assigned tasks.

Such exercises contribute to reinforcing the knowledge of the rescuers and to the continuous their capabilities building.