The day the earthquake happened, February 6, the EU immediately asked for experts from the member states who could come down and help. Åke Solfeldt was one of those who was asked the question and the next day he was there.
He was part of the EU’s expert team that inspected buildings where, among other things, UN or EU personnel have lived.
– The important thing for me is that we respond to the requests and that we solve the tasks that we are expected to do, says Åke Solfeldt.
Not just an engineer
Åke not only works as a structural engineer but also as a technical lecturer at the Institute of Technology in Jönköping. When we meet him, he has recently returned from Turkey and he thinks the work there went well.
– Personally, I think it’s fantastic that so many countries come together in solidarity and try to make a difference and help, says Åke Solfeldt.
Difficult to assess damage
He tells about extensive damage to houses and properties.
– There is always a great deal of concern for the buildings after an earthquake. There can be cracks and damage and it is not always easy to determine how dangerous these are for the stability of the buildings, he says.