“Global Response to Earthquake-Hit Turkey and Syria: A Look at What Aid Countries Have Offered”

Countries have rushed to send supplies, personnel and equipment to support rescue efforts in quake-hit areas of Turkey and Syria. Here’s a look at what has been deployed so far:

— The European Union has mobilized search and rescue teams to assist Turkey, while the 27-nation bloc’s Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services. At least 13 member countries have offered assistance. The EU said it was also ready to offer assistance to Syria through its humanitarian aid programmes.

– The United States is coordinating emergency assistance to Turkey, including teams in support of search and rescue efforts. US-backed humanitarian partners are also responding to the destruction in Syria.

– Russian rescue teams from the Emergencies Ministry are preparing to fly to Syria, where the Russian military stationed in that country has already dispatched 10 units totaling 300 people to help clear debris and search for survivors. The Russian military has set up points to distribute humanitarian aid. Russia also offered Turkey help, which was accepted.

— Israel sends teams to Turkey. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he also approved a request for humanitarian assistance to Syria that was received by a diplomatic official. Israel and Syria do not have diplomatic relations and the two countries have fought several wars.

— The technical relief organization THW is preparing deliveries of emergency generators, tents and blankets. The agency is also willing to set up camps with water purification facilities.

— Neighbor and historic regional rival Greece is sending Turkey a team of 21 rescuers, two rescue dogs and a special rescue vehicle, along with a structural engineer, five doctors and seismic planning experts in a military transport plane.

– The struggling Lebanese government is sending soldiers, Red Cross and civil defense first responders, and firefighters to Turkey to help with its rescue efforts.

— Britain is sending 76 search and rescue specialists with equipment and dogs and an emergency medical team to Turkey. The UK also says it is in contact with the UN to get support for victims in Syria.

— Jordan is sending emergency aid to earthquake-hit Syria and Turkey on the orders of King Abdullah II.

— The Czech Republic is sending a team of 68 rescuers to Turkey, including firefighters, doctors, civil engineers and also experts with sniffer dogs.

— The Swiss rescue dog service REDOG is sending 22 rescuers with 14 dogs to Turkey.

— Japan is sending a group of about 75 rescue workers to Turkey.

— Austria has offered to send 84 soldiers from a military disaster control unit to Turkey.

— Spain prepared to deploy two urban search and rescue teams with 85 employees and a contingent of volunteer firefighters to Turkey.

— Poland is sending 76 firefighters and eight trained dogs with equipment to Turkey.

— Romania is sending specialized personnel and material to Turkey on two military planes.

— Croatia is sending 40 men and 10 dogs, rescue equipment and vans to Turkey.

— Serbia is sending 21 rescuers and three liaison officers to Turkey.

— Montenegro is sending at least 24 firefighters to Turkey.

— Egypt has pledged urgent humanitarian aid to Turkey.

— Italy’s civil defense agency has offered assistance to Turkey. A fire brigade team prepared to leave Pisa.

— France sends rescue teams to Turkey.

The Associated Press

Source