SOS Malta called back to Amatrice: rescue dogs found to be ‘extremely helpful’

A team of rescuers from SOS Malta have been called back to the earthquake-stricken town of Amatrice this morning after emergency crews were advised to leave the area for fear of aftershocks. A strong aftershock yesterday cut off a key route as the death toll of the earthquake rose further. It has now reached 290, la Repubblica reported this morning.

Speaking to MaltaToday, SOS Malta CEO Claudia Taylor-East confirmed that five Maltese volunteers and two sniffer dogs yesterday left Amatrice and started moving down towards Rome.

“They were called back by the head of operations of the [Italian] fire brigade because their engagement on the ground with the dogs was very fruitful,” Taylor-East said.

Photos sent in by the Maltese rescuers show the two dogs sniffing through the rubble in the hope of finding survivors.

The fully equipped 5-man, 2-dog team travelled by Catamaran to Pozzallo, after which they drove all night to reach the affected area

The dogs were checked by an Italian vet and found to be in perfect condition after all the searches.

This is the first time that SOS Malta is operating in a country which has a Maltese embassy. This effectively means that diplomatic efforts on the ground will facilitate the work of the volunteers when it comes to accreditation and support.

SOS Malta is also urging the public to help with donations: these can be sent to SOS Malta, 10, Triq il Ward, Sta Venera SVR 1640 or via SOS Malta Emergency Bank accounts: APS a/c 20000245111, HSBC a/c 006070932050, BOV a/c 40013974950.

In a sign of solidarity with Italy, the Maltese embassy in Rome has decided to cancel its national day reception scheduled to be held on September 21 and to donate the funds allocated to these festivities to the victims of the earthquake.

Donations collected through SOS Malta will be channeled through the embassy in Rome.

“We want to make Malta proud of our work,” Taylor-East said, adding that the NGO will be extending its support to humanitarian aid and, if possible, development.

SOS Malta’s USARK9 Unit are in Amatrice to assist in Search And Rescue (SAR) operations in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake