Credit: interpol.int /  INTERPOL is deploying a specialized Incident Response Team (IRT) to Beirut following the explosion that resulted in the death of more than 150 people

DIPLOMATIC TIMES  STAFF

The International Criminal Police Organization  INTERPOL has deployed a specialized Incident Response Team (IRT) to Beirut following the explosion that resulted in the death of more than 150 people and destroyed a large swathe of the city. The deployment is at the request of Lebanese authorities, according to INTERPOL.  Days after the explosion, many people remain missing. The international team, which includes Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) experts will provide on-site assistance.

“The tragic explosion has left the city, indeed country, and countless families reeling. INTERPOL’s experience in providing this type of help can significantly help national authorities and we will continue to provide whatever assistance is required and requested by Lebanon.”

-said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

Credit: Credit: interpol.int /  Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

INTERPOL’s IRTs are deployed at the request of a member country during a crisis situation and are tailored to the specific nature of the disaster or crime and the requirements of the requesting country.

Last year, INTERPOL IRTs were deployed to Nairobi, Kenya in the wake of the Riverside Hotel bombing and to Ethiopia, following the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302, among other missions.

INTERPOL produced the first Guide to Disaster Victim Identification in 1984, establishing globally accepted standard for DVI protocols.  INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 194 member countries.