How the EU is responding to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

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How the EU is responding to the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria

The release date： 08/02/2023Source：ECHO 【The font:：small medium big】 Print Close this page

In the early hours of Monday, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Gaziantep in Türkiye. The quake has taken the lives of thousands, while many people are still stuck under the rubble.

After the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by Türkiye, 20 EU countries, plus Albania and Montenegro, have offered teams in coordination with the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and the Turkish authorities.

29 search and rescue teams are heading to the hardest hit areas in Türkiye to help the first responders on the ground; 17 of these teams have already arrived.

In addition, 6 medical teams have been sent via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to provide emergency healthcare to people affected in Türkiye. In total, the European countries offered more than 1,400 rescuers and 100 search dogs. These numbers could rise further.

In Syria, EU humanitarian partners are on the ground supporting those affected by the earthquake, including water and sanitation support, and distributing blankets and hygiene items in affected areas.

The EU is considering all viable options to deploy additional resources inside Türkiye and Syria to support those affected by this unprecedented earthquake.

Following their deployment via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Albanian search and rescue team is already on the ground in Türkiye. The team has been working with local first responders to save lives and support those affected.

This search and rescue team from Bulgaria is already operating on the ground in Adana, Türkiye.

Many buildings collapsed during the earthquake, leaving thousands stuck under the rubble. European rescue teams are working around the clock to save lives.

At Elfsina aiport, the rescue team from Greece is ready to depart to Türkiye, committed to cooperating in every way to address the consequences of the earthquake.

100 search dogs are also deployed on the ground, helping in the rescue efforts of the European civil protection teams. Their work is vital to help save lives.

Responding to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism activation by Türkiye, Hungary deployed 44 firefighters, 9 medical staff, and 2 search dogs on Monday evening. This rescue team will assist the search and rescue efforts in Türkiye.

In total, 1,485 rescuers and 100 search dogs have been offered by the European countries. However, these numbers might go up depending on the search and rescue needs.

In Türkiye, hundreds of buildings collapsed after the earthquake. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is closely working with EU member states, participating states and the Turkish authorities to rapidly mobilise assistance.

In Syria, EU humanitarian partners on the ground are carrying out search and rescue operations, as well as providing essential assistance. They are also assessing the level of damage and needs inside the country to adapt their response.

The Basinya complex, which includes more than 120 families, in the city of Salqin in Syria, is destroyed due to the earthquake. Our partners are on the ground helping those affected.