The world immediately rescues Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquake

Many countries have rushed to mobilize aid, personnel and equipment to help with rescue efforts in earthquake-stricken areas in Turkey and Syria.

The German International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team prepares before boarding a plane to Turkey. Photo: Reuters.

The European Union (EU) has mobilized search and rescue teams to help Turkey. The Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services, AP reported on 7/2.

Instant support

At least 13 EU member states have offered to assist. The EU said it was also ready to provide help to Syria through humanitarian assistance programmes.

The United States is coordinating immediate support operations for Turkey, including assisting with search and rescue efforts. US-backed humanitarian partners are responding to the situation in Syria.

The earthquake that struck on February 6 killed more than 3,800 people in Turkey and Syria, as extreme weather hampered rescue efforts and the search for survivors.

The earthquake that struck on February 6th killed more than 3,800 people in Turkey and Syria. Photo: Reuters.
Russian rescue teams prepare to fly to Syria. The Russian military had previously deployed 10 units with 300 people to help clear the debris and search for survivors, and set up distribution points for humanitarian assistance. Turkey has accepted Russia's offer of help.

Global Effort

The Israeli military said it would send a search and rescue team of 150 engineers, medical staff and aid workers to Turkey. The force said it would provide "immediate assistance" in the rescue effort. The two countries were once close allies in the region and are in the process of mending ties after years of tension.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had also approved a request for humanitarian aid to Syria. Israel and Syria do not establish diplomatic relations and have experienced many conflicts.

The German Foreign Ministry said it was coordinating the aid response with the EU and was ready to send emergency generators, tents, blankets and water treatment equipment. It also offered to send forces from the THW civil protection agency to Turkey to help deal with the situation.

The German International Search and Rescue Group is preparing to bring dozens of doctors and rescue experts to Turkey.

Neighboring Greece sent to Turkey a team of 21 rescuers, 2 rescue dogs and 1 special rescue equipment by military transport aircraft. In addition, the team includes structural engineers, doctors and seismologists.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake has collapsed apartment complexes in Turkish cities, while making things harder for the millions of Syrians who have faced years of war.

Many other countries are also working to help, including:

• The Lebanese government is sending soldiers, Red Cross and Civil Defense rescue teams, and firefighters to Turkey to help with the rescue efforts.
• The UK is sending 76 search and rescue experts along with equipment and sniffer dogs, as well as an emergency medical team to Turkey. The UK also said it was in contact with the United Nations about getting support for victims in Syria.
• Jordan is sending emergency aid to Syria and Turkey by order of King Abdullah II.
• The Czech Republic is sending Turkey a team of 68 rescuers, including firefighters, doctors, structural engineers and specialists, along with sniffer dogs.
• Swiss rescue dog service REDOG will send 22 rescuers and 14 dogs to Turkey. The Swiss government said it would also send 80 search and rescue experts to the country, including military disaster specialists.
• Japan is sending a team of about 75 rescuers to Turkey.
• Austria has offered to send 84 soldiers from a military disaster relief unit to Turkey.
• Spain is preparing to send two Urban Search and Rescue teams to Turkey with 85 personnel and a team of volunteer firefighters.
• Italy's Civil Protection Agency offers to assist Turkey. A fire brigade is preparing to leave Pisa, and the Italian military said the transport flights would bring equipment as well as medical and other personnel.
• France is sending rescue teams to Turkey.
• Poland will send to Turkey 76 firefighters and eight trained dogs with equipment.
• Romania is sending specialized personnel and materials to Turkey on two military planes.
• Croatia is bringing 40 professionals and 10 dogs, rescue equipment and trucks to Turkey.
• Serbia is sending 21 rescue workers and three liaison officers to Turkey.
• Montenegro is sending at least 24 firefighters to Turkey.
• Moldova's president said 55 rescue workers had been sent to Turkey.
• Egypt pledges emergency humanitarian aid to Turkey.