Context

A major fault line runs north from Aqaba through the Dead Sea basin and the Jordan Valley.  Amman, Zarqa and Irbid, the three largest cities of the Jordan, are located within an area not more than 30 km from the fault line and house more than 70% of Jordan's population (roughly 4 million people).

There is evidence for major earthquakes in the past, and most ancient cities in Jordan have been destroyed several times by earthquakes.  The last major earthquake of over 6.0 on the Richter Magnitude Scale struck Jordan in 1927.  Nearly all houses more than one story tall in the city of Salt were damaged.

Current estimates predict a major earthquake roughly every 100 years. Rapid urbanization, industrialization and the concentration of populations living or settling in hazardous areas in Jordan are matters of growing concern. Many buildings have been erected without seismic resistant construction techniques.

The need for enhanced Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capacity arises from:

• Substantial natural hazards – in particular seismic risks – with high potential for large-scale disaster.
• Vulnerability and limited coping capacity of the population, accentuated by socio-economic factors, the large refugee population and rapid urban growth.  

Project Information

The need for enhanced Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capacity arises from:

• Substantial natural hazards – in particular seismic risks – with high potential for large-scale disaster.
• Vulnerability and limited coping capacity of the population, accentuated by socio-economic factors, the large refugee population and rapid urban growth. 

 The objective of this project is to protect Jordanian citizens by establishing a well-trained Civil Defense force capable of carrying out urban search and rescue operations.

Phase 1 of this project (2004-2007) focused on training methodology, material and equipment maintenance, and USAR leadership following a Training of Trainers approach (ToT).

Phase 2 (2008-2010) supports the JCD in establishing and operating a USAR Team corresponding to International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) guidelines for a “heavy capacity” unit by developing the following capacities:

• Canine Search.
• Rescue Training Programme.
• Onsite Medical Response .
• Logistics: maintenance, training and logistically independent deployment of the USAR unit.
• Management: to ensure that the partners are able to manage and maintain the entire USAR . 

Partner

 Jordan Civil Defence (JCD)

Information Project Budget

Phase 1 (2004-2007)        CHF 105,000

Phase 2 (2008-2010)        CHF 880,000 (estimate)