Turkey earthquake: Britain sends 76 rescuers to join international aid effort

>

Britain sends 76 rescuers to join international aid effort for earthquake-hit Turkey

Britain joined an international aid effort to help the rescue operation in Turkey.

A team of 76 search and rescue specialists, with life-saving equipment and rescue dogs, was due to arrive in Gaziantep last night.

Britain also sent an emergency medical team to assess the situation in Turkey, and will work with the UN to support rescuers in Syria, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. 

Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the rescue effort, adding: ‘The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can.’

Countries around the world pledged aid and support for Turkey and Syria – including war-torn Ukraine. 

Britain also sent an emergency medical team to assess the situation in Turkey, and will work with the UN to support rescuers in Syria, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said

Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the rescue effort, adding: 'The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can'

Rishi Sunak paid tribute to the rescue effort, adding: ‘The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can’

Kyiv’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine was ready to send rescue workers to Turkey, even as it prepared for further military onslaughts from Russia.

The EU activated its Copernicus satellite system to provide emergency mapping, and mobilised search and rescue teams. 

At least 13 EU countries have offered assistance, including Turkey’s historic rival Greece, which is sending a rescuers and doctors.

The US said it would send teams to support search and rescue efforts in Turkey, while rescue teams from Russia were preparing to fly to Syria. 

Israel also dispatched teams to Turkey, and said it had approved a request for humanitarian aid for Syria, despite the historic enmity between the countries.