Specialist London Firefighters in Nepal helping international rescue operation. Image: @LondonFire

Five specially trained officers from London Fire Brigade have been taking part in rescue operations in Kathmandu.

The firefighters were flown to Nepal to be part of a 67 strong International Search and Rescue team (ISAR)

The UK ISAR team is made up of groups from fire and rescue services across Britain, who can be deployed to disasters around the globe, on behalf of the UK government.

London Fire Brigade search and rescue specialists in UK team operating in Nepal. Image: @LondonFire

The UK contingent has arrived with 14.5 tonnes of equipment including specialised cameras and acoustic and seismic listening equipment that detects people, even when they are buried under large quantities of rubble.

London Firefighters using their skills and expertise in the earthquake devastation of Kathmandu. Image: @LondonFire

Four specially trained search dogs and their handlers also form part of the UK operation and will assist in locating casualties.

The search and rescue specialists are trained and have equipment available to enable them to safely shore-up any unstable buildings.

They can also break through concrete and any other obstacles which may be blocking access to trapped people.

Director of Operations, Dave Brown, said:

I am proud that London Fire Brigade’s Urban Search and Rescue capabilities are internationally recognised and that we can be part of a larger team making a big difference in such dreadful circumstances.