The SOS Malta K9 Search and Rescue has headed back to Amatrice after it had earlier been told to hold back because of the danger caused by aftershocks.
The Maltese team, comprising five volunteers and two search dogs, left Malta on Wednesday.
The team headed back to Amatrice to meet up with the head of operations this morning. The Head of Mission Mr John Gera was contacted by Mr Antonio Tassi to discuss further assistance by the team and possibly conduct further searches in Amatrice.
“We are glad to report that this morning the two K9 dogs were checked by an Italian vet and were found to be in perfect health after their searches,” a spokesperson for the team said.
“This is the first time that SOS Malta is operating in a country where Malta has an Embassy. We would like to publicly thank HE Vanessa Frazier for the constant support and collaboration she has personally give us.
SOS Malta will not stop at Search and Rescue but will assist in delivering humanitarian aid and any other initiatives Malta will be taking. Let us make this a National effort and help Italy with rebuilding.
The organisation has also launched an urgent public appeal for funds for relief and recovery efforts. Survivors of the earthquake need access to emergency supplies like food, water, and medicine in addition to longer term recovery assistance. All donations to this fund will exclusively support locally driven relief and recovery efforts from this disaster.
Members of the public can send donations to SOS Malta, 10, Triq il Ward, Sta Venera SVR 1640 or via SOS Malta Emergency Bank accounts:
APS a/c 20000245111
HSBC a/c 006070932050
BOV a/c 40013974950
Online donations: http://www.sosmalta.org/donate_now
“We appeal to the Maltese public to help the affected people as they mourn their loss and begin to rebuild their lives. SOS Malta will channel the funds collected towards acute emergency relief and recovery assistance for the affected communities and the people who have lost homes and livelihoods,” SOS Malta said.