Turkey rescue crews leaving from Atlanta

We are hearing from search and rescue crews, leaving Atlanta headed to Turkey. They’re in a rush to save lives, after a 7.8 earthquake struck early Monday followed by several others. More than 7,500 are reported to have died and that number is increasing by the hour.

“I’ve done search and rescue in the past, but this is a different type of work so to speak,” said Luke Schiolt  in the moments before heading through security at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

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“Probably helping clear debris and search for those who are either trapped or injured.”

He is headed to Turkey, where thousands of buildings have fallen, and hundreds are trapped beneath the rubble. Current search and rescue teams are working to save lives but dealing with freezing temperatures and structures that continue to collapse.

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But Luke is ready to help. Just last year he worked in Kentucky after tornadoes. When he gets to Turkey, he will begin coordinating travel for others from Gideon Rescue Company who will be traveling from the states to Turkey Wednesday.

“We have four more team members and two canines. They’re both search and rescue trained  so they’ll be helping search for both victims and injured,” said Schiolt.

What’s ahead of him and his team is daunting. But Luke feels called to be there.

“I would hope someone would do the same for me if I were in their shoes.”

If you want to donate to rescue and rebuilding efforts, you can go to www.care.org

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