By: Natasha Archary
South African rescue teams under the banner of the Gift of the Givers, alongside Medi Response have arrived in Turkey to assist in the search and rescue efforts after the earthquakes that ravaged Syria and Turkey.
This after two 7.7 and 7.8 magnitude earthquakes flattened a number of regions in Turkey and Syria on Monday, 06 February.
With the death toll from the disaster hitting 15 000 already, authorities fear the toll will continue rising into the tens of thousands as the endless rubble is scoured for survivors.
Gift of the Givers, the South African humanitarian aid organisation had the rescue team’s tickets and cargo costs sponsored by Turkish Airlines.
In a statement the organisation said, “Turkey rescue mission update: Our search and rescue members, under the banner of the Gift of the Givers and alongside various other search and rescue members have arrived safely in Turkey.
The South African contingent have met with various international search and rescue teams, as the teams await internal flights to affected areas.
It is currently snowing with sub-zero temperatures. Good luck to all members from all units and countries.”
Turkish authorities fear that thousands more will be found dead, with thousands more trapped under the rubble alive.
Meanwhile, survivors of the earthquake are scrambling to find food, water and shelter as temperatures plummet to below freezing.
On Wednesday, 08 February, 72-hours after the earthquakes struck, 12, 391 people had died in Turkey, with at least 2, 992 confirmed dead in Syria.
This brought the death toll to 15, 383 but officials say the number will continue to rise sharply as rescue efforts continue.
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