Ukrainian rescuers and paramedics arrive in Turkey to assist with aftermath of devastating earthquake
Ukrainian rescuers flew to Turkey with all the necessary equipment (Photo:Скріншот відео ДСНС)
A team of Ukrainian rescuers and paramedics has arrived in Turkey to help with rescue efforts following a series of devastating earthquakes, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Meri Akopyan, reported on Twitter on Feb. 8.
"We will not turn its head away from the tragedy Turkey is going through, not even when Ukraine is the subject of a full-fledged invasion,” she wrote.
“87 rescuers, paramedics, with proper gear have arrived to assist and liquidate the aftermath from the earthquake.”
Early on Feb. 6, a series of earthquakes hit the border area between Turkey and Syria, focused in the Turkish province of Gaziantep. It was one of the most powerful and devastating earthquakes in the past century, reaching magnitudes of 7.8. Over 7,000 people were reported to have been killed by the disaster as of Feb. 8, with another 40,000 injured. Thousands of buildings have been ruined.
A state of emergency was introduced in ten Turkish provinces, lasting for three month.
Eight Ukrainians asked the Ukrainian embassy in Turkey for evacuation from the province of Gaziantep. Another 19 Ukrainians, believed to have been in the area, have not yet been located.
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