-
.
- Ελληνικά
The Cypriot mission, which was dispatched on 7 August 2024 through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, returned to Cyprus on 14 August 2024 to assist the Republic of North Macedonia in responding to the forest fires in the areas of Chashka and Sveti Nikole.
The Cypriot mission for five days operated in different areas in the Republic of North Macedonia and assisted in the suppression of several fire fronts. With its air operations the Cypriot mission helped to protect homes, wooded areas, as well as other property and human lives.
Also, the Cypriot mission, in discussion with the competent services of the Republic of North Macedonia, made several suggestions for improving the way of dealing with forest fires, especially on issues related to aerial means, such as the use of retardant material and foam in extinguishing forest fires.
The mission was personally congratulated, before its departure for Cyprus, by the Director of the Crisis Management Centre, Mr Stojanche Angelov. Mr. Stojanche Angelov expressed his appreciation and admiration to the Cypriot mission for the professionalism shown by its members, for their excellent training and knowledge, for their excellent cooperation with other teams involved in the operations, as well as for the professionalism shown throughout the operations in the Republic of North Macedonia. He also stated that the contribution of the team is appreciated by the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia.
The mission consisted of two Air Tractor planes of the Forestry Department with four crew members and five ground support personnel.
The Forestry Department expresses its sincere thanks and congratulations to all the members of the mission (listed by name below), who responded immediately to the call for assistance in our neighbouring country and with their professionalism and ethics they carried out their mission with complete success.
[*]Andriano Dos Santos - Pilot - Mission Leader [*]Riley Thomas Payne Pilot - Pilot [*]Colin James Lightwark - Flight Engineer [*]Michalis Piskopou - Observer [*]Michalis Sarris - Flight Engineer Observer [*]Andreas Antoniou - Liaison Officer [*]Kyriakos Kikas - Ground Crew [*]Athanasios Athanasiou - Ground Crew [*]Kostas Lefos - Ground Crew
It should be noted that these two aircraft have been included in the "rescEU" mechanism since mid-June 2024, under which Member States are funded to reinforce their disaster response assets with a commitment to use these assets for the benefit of other Member States when the need arises.
The Republic of Cyprus has over time responded to provide assistance to neighbouring countries either by making use of provisions of inter-state agreements or within the framework of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Finally, the Forestry Department declares its readiness to provide assistance to neighbouring countries when the need arises. We all hope that all fires in our neighbouring countries will be brought under control soon. We also express our sympathy to all those who are living through all these huge disasters and losses.
(AS/EATH)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
