Countries send rescue teams, aid to Turkey and Syria after devastating earthquake

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News
·2 min read
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Governments from dozens of countries are sending rescue workers and promising aid to Turkey and Syria after a major earthquake that has killed nearly 4,000 people and has trapped tens of thousands.

The United States is poised to send aid to Turkey, a NATO member, coordinating support for search-and-rescue efforts. Humanitarian partners supported by the U.S. were also helping Syria.

On Monday, about 100 Los Angeles County firefighters and structural engineers were en route to Turkey with trained dogs to help with rescue.

The U.S. stands “ready to provide any and all needed assistance,” National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the Government of Turkiye.”

The European Union also offered assistance, with more than a dozen member countries mobilizing search-and-rescue teams and activating the bloc’s Copernicus satellite system to help with emergency mapping.

A 76-person rescue team was flying to Turkey from the U.K. on Monday evening, BBC News reported. The country is also sending specially trained dogs and a team of emergency medics and equipment in what the prime minister’s office said was “very much the initial response.” War-torn Syria would also get humanitarian aid, the U.K. promised.

Russia is sending rescue teams to Syria in addition to 3,000 people already on the ground clearing debris and searching for survivors. The military has established humanitarian assistance distribution points. Russia has also offered help to Turkey.

The Israeli army is sending 150 engineers, medical personnel and aid workers to Turkey to provide “immediate assistance in life-saving efforts.” Also sending aid in various forms are Austria, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Switzerland and Spain. Croatia, France, Italy, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia and China’s Red Cross Society are helping, too.

With News Wire Services