CHILMARK-BASED disaster response charity Team Rubicon UK have volunteers en route to Italy following the devatasting earthquake. 

The assessment team of three military veterans, who are all qualified medics, will be travelling to the country which was hit by the 6.2 magnitude  on Wednesday. 

The epicentre was in the village of Accumoli, Rieti, and aftershocks have been continuing since the original quake and has left hundreds of people dead.

One of the team deploying has family based nearby the affected area. 

Once on the ground the team find out more about the situation in the area and needs of the communities in those area and report back to the charity's Chilmark HQ. 

Operation manager Dan Cooke said: “It has been devastating to see the impact of this earthquake unfolding on the news. Our disaster response team will work closely with local authorities to support their efforts and establish the need for a larger team to assist with what is likely to be a huge operation.”

Team Rubicon UK volunteers have previously helped with relief efforts during the Nepal earthquake and assisted communities in Canada affected by wildfires earlier this year. 

  • Salisbury-based disaster relief charity Serve On remain on high alert to respond to the situation in Italy with its specialist search capabilities, if needed.