BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A six-member team from the Fire and Rescue Department’s (FRD) Special Technical Rescue Assistance (Satrea) unit left the country for Phnom Penh, Cambodia to participate in the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (Ardex) 2025.
Ardex 2025, taking place from July 22 until July 24 is a simulation exercise bringing together emergency response teams from Asean member states to enhance regional cooperation in disaster management.
This year’s scenario involves simulating a major flood caused by a typhoon, leading to collapsed buildings and damaged roads. The Satrea team will conduct search, rescue and victim management operations in a high-pressure environment.
Prior to departure, Acting Director of Fire and Rescue Azmi Hafneh presented the national flag to Commander of Satrea, Senior Superintendent of Fire and Rescue Azizul Rahman Yusop at the Brunei International Airport. Satrea is a specialised search and rescue team established to provide rapid response to complex incidents, including large-scale disasters.
Their participation in Ardex 2025 serves as an important platform to test their preparedness, communication, and logistical capabilities in a simulated international disaster scenario.
The exercise will also provide an opportunity for the team to gain practical experience and strengthen its technical competency in line with the standards of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group. Brunei’s participation reinforces its commitment to regional cooperation under the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
