Chainsaws and power cutters from the Husqvarna Group was donated to the Fire Department and Rescue Teams at the earthquake area in Italy. The donation was to support relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake in August.
The earthquake in the South West of Italy caused over 300 deaths, many of the victims were children. The earthquakes magnitude of 6.2 was felt in Rome, 140 km away, and there has been many strong aftershocks. More than 4,300 rescuers used heavy lifting equipment and their bare hands in their struggle to find and rescue as many as possible.
Husqvarna Group sent 31 pro chainsaws, 4 power cutters and a significant quantity of cutting accessories, hand tools and protective equipment to the earthquake area.
“When the earthquake happened all, from the Husqvarna Group, felt the need to do something. The provision of chainsaws and power cutters helped the Fire Department and Protezione Civile to clear street passages and cutting destroyed houses material even more efficient.” says Olivier Le Treste, Marketing Manager at Husqvarna.
The value of the donation was approximately 50,000 Euro and the equipment was transported to three different rescue groups.
“Thanks to our good introduction into the construction market in Italy, we have been in touch with the fire-fighting department manager which has been appointed as responsible for the operations in the earthquake area. Together with Fercad, our distributor in Italy, we promptly arranged a shipment of Husqvarna goods to the earthquake area. Let me thank our colleagues from Fercad for the prompt reaction and the prioritisation of this initiative,” says Olivier Le Treste.
Another reason that made a quick response possible was the Construction Team based at Lonato. Despite they had just restarted after the summer holidays with a reduced workforce they prioritised this activity. They acted immediately and made it happen by using their contacts directly with the fire-brigades.