South African Search and Rescue (SAR) members teamed up with a local Turkish search and rescue unit, and immediately got to work with conducting a meticulous search through a collapsed ten storey building.
Making use of heavy machinery, specialized SAR and access equipment, teams methodically work a process through sites, in the hope of locating survivors. The use of K9’s as well as sensitive sonar, thermal and audio equipment, aides in locating trapped persons.
Unfortunately, survivors are yet to be located on this particular site.
Team members are fatigued as a result of travel and adapting to local conditions. There is limited food and trying environmental conditions prevail. Members remain in good spirit and have worked through day and night, as they take turns resting for short periods.
Paul Herbst confirmed that Medi Response members will be assigned new taskings, as their current tasking is concluded and the area is confirmed as cleared.
The Gift of the Givers team will be joined this morning by members of the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue unit.
Our thoughts remain with the people of the affected nations, as well as with disaster and SAR members responding from across the globe.
