Disaster response drills for apartment fires, building collapses, toxic chemicals and search and rescue

Delegates attended and directed the drill on responding to disasters of fire, explosion, construction collapse, toxic chemicals and search and rescue in Nghe An province in 2022. Photo: Thanh Chung

Scenario: Fire, explosion, building collapse and toxic chemical disaster occurred at Van Long high-rise apartment complex, Hong Phong block, Nghi Huong ward, Cua Lo town. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The organizationrehearsalCivil defense response to fire and explosion disasters, building collapse, toxic chemicals and search and rescue in Nghe An province in 2022 is the basis for checking and evaluating the handling and response capabilities of all levels, sectors in the province and local forces, ensuring to minimize damage to people's lives and property when situations occur.

The Civil Defense and Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Command of Cua Lo town mobilized local forces to participate in the rescue. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Situation: At 05:00 on N day, a large fire broke out at the Van Long high-rise apartment building, in Hong Phong block, Nghi Huong ward, Cua Lo town, Nghe An province. During the rescue process, the fire and explosion grew bigger and bigger, leading to the collapse of the building; chemical tanks in the warehouse exploded and reacted with each other to create toxic gas... In this disaster, a number of people died and many were injured.

The fire drill grew bigger and bigger, becoming a disaster despite the rescue efforts of local forces. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The four training issues raised in this situation include: Actions of the facility responding to fire and explosion incidents in high-rise apartment buildings; training on responding to fire and explosion disasters in high-rise apartment buildings by the Civil Defense and Disaster Prevention Command - Search and Rescue of Cua Lo town, Nghe An province and Military Region 4;

Rehearsing using a water cannon to extinguish a fire. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Rehearsing extremely complex situations, many victims need urgent rescue. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Training on response to building collapses, toxic chemicals and search and rescue, accompanied by the establishment of a Field Hospital (level 2) of Nghe An province, receiving and treating victims; organizing to overcome consequences, resolving policies, and soon stabilizing the situation.

The Nghe An Provincial Command for Civil Defense and Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue established a Field Command Center to directly direct rescue operations. Photo: Thanh Chung

Responding to this disaster, relevant units from the apartment building management board, Nghi Huong Ward People's Committee, the Civil Defense and Disaster Prevention - Search and Rescue Command of Cua Lo town, Nghe An province and Military Region 4 have proactively responded in a timely, positive, accurate and scientific manner.

Fire prevention, firefighting and rescue police try to control and extinguish the fire. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Using many measures to rescue victims trapped in the apartment building. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Rescuing a victim trapped on the rooftop using an operating ladder. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Using air mattress to rescue victims. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Rescue forces including: Local militia, Fire Prevention and Rescue Police, Cua Lo Town Police, Nghe An Provincial Police, Nghe An Border Guard, Provincial Military Command, Cua Lo Medical Center, Military Region 4 Hospital, Nghe An Department of Health, Engineering Brigade 414, Military Region Chemical Force... quickly mobilized all human and material resources; approached the scene; used many means and solutions to deploy fire fighting and rescue victims.

Chemical troops of Military Region 4 take action to handle toxic chemicals. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Medical staff carry injured victims out. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Rehearsing first aid scenarios, classifying and transporting seriously injured victims to the provincial Field Hospital. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee of Nghe An province promptly directed the Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, and Cua Lo town to implement urgent measures to encourage, visit, and help people overcome the consequences and soon stabilize the situation after the disaster; at the same time, directed the Provincial Police and the Procuracy to organize a crime scene investigation, as a basis for investigation, clarifying the cause of the fire, and handling it according to the provisions of law.

Leaders of Military Region 4, Nghe An province presented gifts to forces participating in the exercise. Photo: Thanh Duy

RehearsalThe drill to respond to disasters of fire, explosion, building collapse, toxic chemicals and search and rescue at the Van Long high-rise apartment building in Cua Lo town was successful, effective, absolutely safe and highly appreciated by all levels and sectors./.