A member of the rescue team walks next to collapsed buildings, following an earthquake in Antakya, Turkey, on February 6, 2023. , Photo Credit: Reuters
Countries have rushed to send aid, personnel and equipment to aid rescue efforts in earthquake-hit areas of Turkey and Syria. Here’s a look at what’s being provided so far:
India –
Two teams of India’s National Disaster Response Force consisting of 100 personnel with dog squads and equipment were ready to go to the affected area. Doctors and paramedics were also being prepared along with medicines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “anguished” and “deeply pained” by the deaths in Turkey and Syria.
European Union
The European Union has mobilized search and rescue teams to help Turkey, while the 27-nation bloc’s Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services. At least 13 member states have offered assistance. The European Union said it was also ready to offer help to Syria through its humanitarian aid programmes.
United States of america
The United States is coordinating immediate assistance to NATO-member Turkey, including teams supporting search and rescue efforts. US-backed humanitarian allies are also responding to the devastation in Syria.
Russia
Russian rescuers from the Ministry of Emergencies prepare to fly to Syria, where the Russian military stationed in that country has already dispatched 10 units of 300 people each to help clear the debris and search for survivors . The Russian military has set up points to distribute humanitarian aid. Russia has also offered help to Turkey, which has been accepted.
israel
The Israeli army says it is sending a search and rescue team of 150 engineers, medical personnel and other support personnel to Turkey. The delegation was to leave Israel on Monday evening. The military said they would provide “immediate assistance to efforts to save lives.” The two countries, once regional allies, are in the process of improving relations after years of tension. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had also approved a request for humanitarian aid for Syria, received through a diplomatic official. Israel and Syria do not have diplomatic relations and the two countries have fought several wars.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates pledged nearly $13.6 million in humanitarian aid to Syria, including search and rescue teams, immediate relief supplies and emergency aid.
The UAE has already dispatched the first aircraft to southern Turkey, where it plans to set up a field hospital, official news agency WAM said.
Germany
Germany’s foreign ministry said it was coordinating its aid response with EU partners and preparing emergency generators, tents, blankets and water treatment equipment. It has also offered to send teams from the THW Civil Protection Agency to Turkey to help with the response. The group International Search and Rescue Germany was also preparing to send dozens of doctors and rescue experts to Turkey late on Monday.
Greece
Neighboring and historic regional rival Greece is sending a team of 21 rescuers, two rescue dogs and a specialized rescue vehicle to Turkey along with a structural engineer, five doctors and seismic planning experts in a military transport plane.
lebanon
Lebanon’s cash-strapped government is sending troops, Red Cross and civil defense first responders and firefighters to Turkey to help with its rescue efforts.
United Kingdom
The UK is sending 76 search and rescue specialists with equipment and dogs as well as an emergency medical team to Turkey. Britain also says it is in contact with the United Nations to get aid to victims in Syria.
Jordan
Jordan is sending emergency aid to earthquake-hit Syria and Turkey on the orders of King Abdullah II.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is sending a team of 68 rescuers to Turkey, including firefighters, doctors, structural engineers and sniffer dogs.
Switzerland
The Swiss rescue dog service REDOG is sending 22 rescuers with 14 dogs to Turkey. The government said it would also send 80 search and rescue experts to the country, including disaster specialists from the military.
Japan
Japan is sending a team of about 75 rescue workers to Turkey.
Austria
Austria has offered to send 84 soldiers from a military disaster relief unit to Turkey.
spain
Spain was preparing to send two urban search and rescue teams to Turkey with 85 personnel and a contingent of volunteer firefighters.
Italy
Italy’s Civil Protection Agency has offered assistance to Turkey. A fire brigade was preparing to leave from Pisa, and the Italian military says transport flights will carry equipment as well as health and other personnel.
France
France is sending rescue teams to Turkey.
poland
Poland is sending 76 firefighters and eight trained dogs, along with equipment, to Turkey.
romania
Romania is sending specialized personnel and material to Turkey on two military aircraft.
Croatia
Croatia is sending 40 men and 10 dogs, rescue equipment and vans to Turkey.
Serbia
Serbia is sending 21 rescuers and three liaison officers to Turkey.
montenegro
Montenegro is sending at least 24 firefighters to Turkey.
moldova
Moldova’s president says 55 rescuers have been sent to Turkey.
Egypt
Egypt has promised immediate humanitarian aid to Turkey.