The three weeks training was conducted by flood and swift water rescue experts from Japan – Fire Lieutenant Mr Yoshifumi Morita and Fire Lieutenant  Mr Shuichi Kaya from Matsusaka fire department. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency or JICA funded the exercise.

National Fire Authority in collaboration with Matsusaka Fire Department from Japan completed a flood and swift water rescue training program at NFA station in Labasa on November 25, 2009.

NFA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Jone Koroi said: “NFA would like to thank the Japanese Government for the provision of this valuable assistance and we are grateful to the Japanese Embassy in Fiji and the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) for facilitating and funding the necessary arrangements, enabling these fire officers to come and assist Fiji’s fire service”.

“The firefighters from Matsusaka Fire department have donated fifteen equipments which were used by NFA officers during flood and swift water rescue training program in the Northern division.

“The swift water rescue equipments which were donated by JICA for this training program will be distributed to the three stations in the Northern division which include Labasa, Savusavu and Tavueni.

“The equipments donated by Matsusaka fire department include Carrabinners, Anchor plate, Prushik cord, Tabular webbing and Rope will be used during natural disasters such as flood and cyclone for NFA’s rescue operations.

“These equipments are key components for NFA officers in order to rescue people who are trapped during flooding situations,” Mr Koroi added.

Press Release, Government of Fiji