Indonesia, Malaysia simulate floodevacuation in joint exercise

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) conducted a disaster victim evacuation simulation as part of the 24th Elang Malindo Joint Exercise in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday.

According to a TNI-AU statement on Thursday, the simulation was based on a scenario in which the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported a flash flood in Pontianak, with several people missing and trapped by rising floodwaters.

Upon receiving the report, the TNI-AU deployed a CN-235 aircraft from the 27th Air Squadron to carry out a search and rescue mission to locate the victims. After locating the victims, the TNI-AU sent an NAS-332 Super Puma helicopter from the 6th Air Squadron, while the RMAF deployed its EC-725 Caracal aircraft to the site.

Both aircraft transported search and rescue personnel to evacuate the flood victims. At the first location, they used rappelling techniques to rescue victims trapped on land. At the second location, a water rescue operation was conducted using the free jump and hoist method.

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After the evacuation, the victims were transported by the CN-235 aircraft for medical treatment. Earlier, TNI-AU exercise director Colonel Asep Wahyu Wijaya mentioned that the joint exercise with RMAF would continue for four days until September 27. The exercise aims to strengthen the air defense capabilities of both nations and maintain bilateral relations.