LET’S STATE THE FACTS
Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters today. Although an average of 430,000 quakes occur worldwide, only a small percentage are felt and cause significant damage. In 2024 alone, it was recorded that earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or above had totaled 1,374 by the end of that year.
With the rise of the world population and the increase of urbanization in earthquake-prone areas, more properties and lives are at risk. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025, with its severe strength felt by neighboring countries – Thailand and Pakistan. A few days after the destructive earthquake, it‘s estimated that more than 1,600 have died, around 3,500 injured, and over a hundred people still missing in all affected countries.
Among the 1,500 homes and other infrastructures hit in Myanmar, an apartment block collapsed, trapping at least 90 people; one woman was confined in the rubble for more than 30 hours before getting rescued. While in Thailand, an unfinished high-rise building was severely hit, trapping at least a dozen construction workers, one of whom was fortunate enough to have jumped out the third floor just before the building collapsed. Robots have been brought to Bangkok to assist with the rescue efforts in hopes of finding survivors.
Devastating 2023 Earthquake in Turkey-Syria
On February 7, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake took place in southern Turkey near the northern border of Syria. Followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake about nine hours later, around 59 miles (95 kilometers) southwest. It was estimated that about 8.8 million people resided in the affected area of Syria at that time.
Reported figures show at least 56,000 citizens, aid workers and foreign nationals were reported dead. On top of the horrendous death toll, the economic repercussions were devastating. In Aleppo alone, approximately 3,500 buildings were damaged and needed structural repair and over 700 buildings were deemed unsafe.
In response to the disaster the Turkish Government requested support from the UK Government, and a plane transporting a UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR), consisting of 77 expert firefighters and staff, an Emergency Medical team, specialist technical equipment, and 4 highly trained search dogs arrived in Gaziantep later that day. Their expert skills and cutting-edge heavy-duty equipment enabled the UKISAR team to breech into buildings and find survivors in the debris during said critical period. Among the specialist search equipment used are the following: seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, and propping and shoring tools. While in north-west Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets maintained a major search and rescue effort, mobilizing all available resources to address emerging needs.
UK Fire Service Preparedness
Over time, mortality rates in relation to earthquake disasters have fallen due to better response management, preparation, and, in some cases, prediction. Decades ago, there were countless unreported disasters in isolated areas. However, since 2000, mobile communications and accurate data coverage have vastly improved, enabling government bodies to warn people about incoming disasters.
With its successful record for urban search and rescue (USAR), both at home and abroad, the UK is committed to continuing its efforts in its preparation for and the training necessary to appropriately and quickly respond to these disasters. To reach their goal of creating competent fire & rescue, the UK Fire Services require advanced and specialist training facilities.
Like the recently redeveloped facilities for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) headquarters and training centre at Birkenshaw by Crofton Engineering, they aim to elevate their staffs training capabilities through cutting-edge facilities tailored to their needs and to ensure that their firefighters are well-prepared for the challenges they may face in the line of duty.
This project stands out as it includes specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and Line Rescue buildings designed to prepare firefighters for the toughest challenges. Previously, Crofton Engineering has also worked with Norfolk, Buckingham & Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Servies to design and deliver bespoke training structures that provide opportunities for USAR, Rope Rescue and traditional ladder practice with an integrated Training Towers.
These facilities will offer crucial and practical training scenarios for firefighters, ensuring they are equipped to handle a variety of rescue situations. These advanced facilities are carefully designed to simulate real-life scenarios, providing firefighters with thorough training opportunities.
Among the features included are a Climbing Wall (designed to simulate various climbing conditions to hone the trainee‘s climbing skills in diverse environments), Cranked Crane Jib (offering realistic training scenarios for rescue operations at construction sites), Confined Space (simulated tight environments that replicate real-life restricted areas to train for confined space rescues), telecom mast, balance beams, platforms with trap doors and anchor points for cableways.
These projects strengthen the fire service‘s capabilities, contribute to local economic development and sustainability objectives, and can revolutionize the way we train our first responders and handle unwanted scenarios. Discover how Crofton Engineering is transforming firefighter training through their cutting-edge facilities by visiting their website: https://crofton-eng.co.uk/
Please contact Crofton Engineering on 01223 892138 for further technical details and information.
