ESSEX firefighters have flown to Sumatra to help with the aftermath of the earthquake.

Members of the UK International Search and Rescue team are helping in the search for survivors after the 7.9 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday.

A second earthquake yesterday made the situation even worse.

Early reports suggest dozens, if not hundreds of people have been killed, and thousands more are trapped beneath collapsed houses and buildings.

The seven strong team - which includes the dog team from Lexden - flew to the island at 1.30am as part of the British contingent of the search and rescue effort.

ACFO Gordon Hunter said: "This is exactly the type of eventuality that the specialist team is trained for. We are proud that we are able to offer our expertise to an international rescue operation.

"We are sending out a very experienced group of ECFRS officers to work with rescue teams in the disaster area to help find survivors of the earthquake. The team is trained in emergency search and rescue techniques and will work with the Government of Indonesia to help with life saving and recovery operations.

"Everything these officers learn they will be able to bring back to Essex to be used in protecting local communities as part of our resilience arrangements."