NEWS

Greece sends search and rescue unit to Lebanon

Greece sends search and rescue unit to Lebanon

Greece send a Special Disaster Unit (EMAK) rescue team to Lebanon as an immediate relief response, following a huge explosion that killed at least 100 people and injured more than 4,000 in Beirut on Tuesday, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection said on Wednesday.

The decision came after Lebanon lodged a request through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The Fire Brigade’s EMAK unit, which includes 12 members of the 1st EMAK with a sniffer dog, two vehicles and equipment, departed from Elefsina airport on Wednesday morning with a C130 military aircraft.

The team is accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Kostas Fragogiannis.

Civil Protection said it remains in contact with Lebanese authorities and stands ready to send more assistance, if requested.

Speaking earlier during a teleconference on the coronavirus, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece stands ready to send additional help and medical equipment to Lebanon.

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