Polish rescue teams have declared readiness to assist in the search operation for victims of the earthquake around L’Aquila.

Captain Leszek Tanas from the National Civil Defense Bureau says that groups of rescuers are ready for deployment pending request from the Italian side: ‘Polish rescue teams are constantly ready to help. We have operational capabilities both at home and abroad. However, there are presently some 5 thousand Italian rescuers on the spot and they are doing fine, managing with the situation. That’s why we are not expecting to be called in. The Italians claim to have enough manpower and technical means.’

Captain Tanas reminds that the first hours after the tragedy are the most crucial from the point of view of effectively locating people who still might be alive under the debris caused by the tremors.