KZN rescue crews join humanitarian efforts in Türkiye and Syria
The teams have joined hundreds of rescue crews in a global operation.
SEARCH and Rescue teams from KwaZulu-Natal and parts of South Africa have joined forces with humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers to provide assistance to Türkiye and Syria following devastating earthquakes on Monday.
The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck the Gaziantep province in Türkiye, and another 7.5 magnitude earthquake several hours later, continues to rise with the United Nations estimating that 7 000 people have died.
On Tuesday, search and rescue members completed a pre-deployment briefing at OR Tambo International Airport before flying to Türkiye to join a global rescue operation.
Medi Response search and rescue spokesperson Paul Herbst said some members from his team in KZN had also joined the rescue efforts.
“Our search and rescue members, under the banner of the Gift of the Givers, and alongside various other search and rescue members, have arrived safely in Türkiye. They have met with various international search and rescue teams, as the teams await internal flights to affected areas. We wish all those involved in the rescue and humanitarian efforts all the best.
“Reports from the ground indicate that 10 cities are severally affected with approximately 5 000 buildings having been destroyed, several thousand confirmed dead and several thousand unaccounted for. The structural integrity of a large dam in proximity to communities is reportedly compromised,” he said.
In a statement, Gift of the Givers said they had been contacted directly by the Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, Aysegul Kandas, and by the Consul General in Cape Town, Sinan Yesildag, to assist in this huge disaster.
“Medical supplies, equipment, consumables, tents, blankets, food and other humanitarian aid will be purchased in Turkey. We are expanding our volunteer medical and search and rescue teams. Those interested can message Dr Qasim Bhorat on 084 230 7866 (medical) or Ahmed Bham on 073 571 6392 (search and rescue). Those wanting to assist financially can deposit into Gift of the Givers, Standard Bank, Pietermaritzburg, Account number 052137228, Branch Code 057525, ref Turkey,” the statement read.
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