Israel’s National Search and Rescue Unit, made up entirely of volunteers, is always one of the first teams to arrive in major disasters, including the earthquake in Haiti.
When it comes to disasters, the first few hours make all the difference to rescue and relief efforts. And the better the kit, the greater the chance of saving lives. But is it time for a permanent rapid reaction force?
Haiti is picking up the pieces – but sooner or later another natural disaster will strike. Here, Monocle looks at the best nations to call in a crisis and tools you need for the job.
On a visit to the southern Japanese prefecture of Saga, New York restaurateur Mikio Shinagawa was appalledby the destruction of the region’s traditional houses. He set about saving and restoring them, and has even managed…
In the rugged wilderness of Alaska, people can easily become lost. Thankfully, a trusty pack of dogs and their human handlers are ready to help should something go awry.
Why did the Samoan cross the road? (It’s all in the name of regional harmony), Australia and New Zealand drop their guards and rock’n’roll rescues aboriginal languages.
Turkey is in the throes of a ruthless purge. The government wants to root out any last sympathisers to Friday’s coup, especially those believed to have links to the exiled religious leader Fethullah Gulen, and the outpou…
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is making good on another of his campaign promises: the Liberal government has announced that the once-shuttered St John’s Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre will be reopened in 2018. Before…
With its stunning landscapes, thriving music scene and charming capital city, Iceland is an increasingly popular holiday destination. Now the country wants to ensure it’s a safe one as well. Following a series of incidents…
With the recent unveiling of its new Izumo-class helicopter destroyer, Japan gets more than just added fire power for its naval fleet. The 19,500-tonne vessel also signals Tokyo’s determination to act as a counterweight to…
Enduring the sort of political turmoil that inspires movies, Comoros is also burdened with a colonial legacy that is driving thousands to their deaths as they search for a better life. Monocle visits this uneasy paradise…
Fiona Wilson reporting from Okinawa prefecture: With territorial disputes in the East China Sea intensifying, the Japan Coast Guard has had to rapidly evolve to contend with new threats. We drop anchor at Ishigaki Island…
Some 300km north of Scotland, the Faroe Islands archipelago is spread across 18 mountainous islands served by a hardy helicopter crew who are on hand to save stranded sailors and livestock alike.
LA’s police force is trying to improve its image by creating friendlier buildings, including a glistening new HQ. We also visit an ‘eco’ police station in Victoria, Australia, and look at how forces around the world are…
A new kind of politicking and activism has sprung up in Istanbul since it became home to Syria’s official opposition. Monocle meets the diplomats and advocates forging ahead for change in uncertain territory.