This Day, That Year: May 30

Editor's note: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China.

On May 30, 2003, the China International Search and Rescue Team returned home after deploying earthquake-hit Algeria, as seen in the item from China Daily.

Comprising 30 earthquake rescue workers, the quick-response team was equipped with search dogs and advanced facilities for search-and-rescue work and first aid.

Since it was established on April 27, 2001, the China International Search and Rescue Team has taken part in at least 10 rescue missions in countries including Japan, Iran, Haiti and New Zealand, saving tens of thousands of lives.

One mission was in Indonesia, after a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra set off a tsunami on Dec 26, 2004. It wreaked death and devastation across the Indian Ocean coastlines.

The China International Search and Rescue Team sent two batches of 70 members to Banda Aceh to help search and rescue operations.

In 2015, a 62-member rescue team with six dogs was sent to Kathmandu, Nepal, after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the country on April 25, 2015.

They rescued two people buried under rubble, administered emergency treatment to almost 2,700 victims and evacuated 430 buildings.

The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, a network of countries and organizations focused on search and rescue operations, has certified the China International Search and Rescue Team as a "heavy urban search and rescue team", which means its members can be mobilized within eight hours of a request and are self-sufficient for at least 72 hours for a response assignment of up to 10 days in challenging conditions.