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The SCDF contingent will focus on search and rescue operations in Attapeu Province. To support the contingent’s operations, SCDF will deploy utility vehicles, a 6-seater inflatable dinghy and specialised search and rescue tools.

The SCDF contingent was sent off by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development.

SCDF has brought along a DART Recce Vehicle and a utility vehicle, and has also secured local transportation to support its operations.

Update on 4/8/18

Late yesterday, the SCDF Operation Lionheart contingent travelled from Pakse to Sanamxay District, Attapeu Province, to link up with the local authorities who are managing the disaster relief efforts.

This morning, a forward deployment team led by Contingent Commander Major Euan embarked on a recce mission to one of the most affected districts. Together with Laos officials, they assessed the area of operations in preparation for complex search operations.

Update on 5/8/18

The recce mission led by MAJ Euan yesterday revealed the extent of damages to the infrastructure and terrain in Ban Mai village, one of the worse affected areas. SCDF will conduct search operations within this area.

The SCDF contingent had also set up a base camp in the village for accommodation and storage of equipment and supplies.

Update on 6/8/18

Yesterday morning, SCDF Operations Lionheart team had conducted search operations at Ban Mai village, one of the worst affected areas. The team travelled on foot to reach a particular site where remains of fallen houses and debris had been swept away by the flood waters. It took approximately 2 hours to reach the site as the team faced challenges such as terrain that was waist deep in mud.

The team dug through the mud and debris, including dismantling the remains of wooden houses using cutting tools to locate any human remains.

Update on 7/8/18

Since two days ago, the SCDF Operations Lionheart team set up its base camp at Ban Mai village, near its area of operations. The base camp is situated on the grounds of a former school which was swept away by the flood waters. 

The base camp acts as a command centre for the SCDF team where they plan and strategise the operations every day. It comprises charts containing information on the search operations as well as a movement chart to track the deployment of each team member. Equipment and supplies are also stored within the base camp.

Update 1 on 13/8/18

This morning, a 32-member Home Team contingent comprising 14 officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), 3 victim recovery dogs from the SPF K9 Unit, and 18 SCDF officers, departed for Laos on a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 transport aircraft from Paya Lebar Air Base.

The SCDF officers, led by CPT Kannan Selvaraj, will replace the current 17-member SCDF team which has been carrying out disaster relief efforts in Attapeu Province since 4 August.

Update 2 on 13/8/18

14 members of the 17-member SCDF contingent which was deployed to Laos to carry out disaster relief efforts in Attapeu Province since 4 August returned to Singapore this afternoon. They were received at Paya Lebar Air Base by Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health.

Contingent Commander, MAJ Euan, Operations Officer MAJ Eng Wee Hock and Rescue Platoon Section Commander WO Md Fayrus will be staying back in Laos for several more days to hand over operations to the incoming contingent.

Update on 15/8/18

Yesterday, a forward team from the Home Team Contingent arrived at Ban Mai village to meet General Phalom Linthong, Deputy Director General of the Laos People’s Army, who leads the local search efforts.

The team later surveyed a new area of operations at Ban Samong-Tai village located opposite the river from Ban Mai village which is only accessible via boat.