Earthquake in Turkey: Two German organizations suspend rescue operations citing safety concerns

Two German aid organizations today suspended rescue operations in earthquake-hit areas of Turkey, citing problems and complaints of clashes between groups of people and shootings.

THE German International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR) and the German Federal Service for Technical Assistance have announced that they will resume their work once the Turkish civil protection service has declared the situation safe.

“You can sense that the sadness is slowly turning into anger. So we will remain on the joint base with the Federal Technical Assistance Service for the time being,” ISAR operations chief Stefan Bayer told Reuters, adding, however, that the organizations would be ready. to help immediately if there are signs of survivors.

Turkish authorities have not reported any clashes in the quake-hit area, but President Erdogan commented on the security situation today, noting that he has declared a state of emergency and that there have been reports of looting.

The Austrian forces’ Disaster Response Unit also temporarily suspended operations today, but then resumed operations with Defense Ministry spokesman Michael Bauer tweeting that the Turkish military had taken over the protection of the Austrian force.

About 82 lifeguards of the armed forces of Austria are located from February 7 in Antakia (Antioch) of Turkey and have already rescued 9 people from the wreckage.

Switzerland announced that it is closely monitoring the security situation in Hatay and that security measures have been increased accordingly.

Switzerland has sent 87 specialists and eight rescue dogs to join the operation and has so far rescued 11 people, including two infants, since arriving in the area on Tuesday. Another team of 12 Swiss rescuers was sent yesterday.

RES-EMP

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