West Midlands Firefighters Rush to Storm-Ravaged Malawi
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) heroes have jetted off to Malawi, joining the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team to tackle the aftermath of brutal storms. The Malawian government, hit hard by Storm Freddy’s second devastating sweep this month, declared a state of disaster in 10 southern districts – prompting urgent UK aid.
27-Strong Flood Response Team on the Ground
WMFS is among several UK fire and rescue services answering the call. This 27-strong flood response crew are volunteers from UK ISAR, backed by specialist medical teams from outside the fire brigade. The deployment comes just weeks after 77 UK rescue members returned from quake-hit Türkiye, proving British rescuers never rest.
Chief Fire Officer Salutes Brave Volunteers
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating cyclones that have swept across several countries,” said Wayne Brown, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service.
“Just four weeks after our volunteers helped in Türkiye, they’re once again gearing up to support a nation in desperate need.”
“These UK ISAR volunteers from the West Midlands will deliver vital Search and Rescue flood response. We’re hugely grateful and fully supporting them during this critical mission.”
“Their health and wellbeing remain our top priority, especially after back-to-back deployments.”
UK ISAR: Always Ready for Disaster
UK ISAR teams have a fierce reputation for deploying to global disaster zones—from hurricanes and floods to wildfires and earthquakes. Now, they’re battling nature’s fury once again in Malawi, proving that when disaster strikes, the UK’s bravest answers the call.
