Rescue with Hungarian Assistance

The +400-strong guard in charge of Salang Pass was working to clear from the roads the snow that came down rolling continuously, and to restore the damage. In spite of the hard work, the situation was worsening day after day, which prompted Gen. Mohamed Rejeb to request assistance from the HUN PRT on March 12. In addition to the necessary vehicles, the soldiers serving in Camp Pannonia – the base of the Hungarian contingent – filled up with gas the ambulances from the hospital of Pol-e Khumri, which took the injured civilians to hospital. For several days, more than 50 Hungarian troops transported food, drinking water and blankets to the Pass – which is located at a distance of 110 kilometers from the camp – to support the people working in the area and those who got snowbound in their cars along the road.

The Hungarian contingent was also responsible for coordinating the activity of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which took an active part in the rescue operations until traffic resumed on the roads and the Salang Pass became passable again. The participation of ISAF in the disaster relief works has earned recognition from the locals and the people living in the province, and further enhanced the Hungarian troops’ positive image.