911 drones used during earthquake simulation with structural collapse

PUERTO PLATA.– A large-scale earthquake simulation with structural collapse was carried out this weekend in Puerto Plata, as part of the humanitarian mission Continuing Promise and during it drones from the 911 Emergency and Security Service were used.

The day, which simulated a large-magnitude seismic event, included rescue exercises under rubble, victim care, drone deployment in collapsed structures, tactical communications, and the activation of an advanced command center, replicating real emergency conditions. The drill was coordinated by the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and was supported by the United States Southern Command, in addition to the active participation of multiple response institutions in the country, including the Ministry of Defense and the Drone Unit of the National Emergency and Security Attention System 9-1-1.

Similarly, the Fire Departments of Puerto Plata, Santiago, and the National District, Hurón Group Firefighters of the National District, Civil Defense, Dominican Red Cross, Ámbar Rescue, and the National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (ONESVIE).

The exercise reaffirms the country’s commitment to strengthening its response capabilities to natural disasters, as well as international cooperation in the protection of life and critical infrastructure.