Rescue team from Iraq rushes to aid earthquake victims in Türkiye

By Sezgin Pancar

HATAY, Türkiye (AA) – An Iraqi disaster response and aid team continues its aid efforts in Turkish cities affected from last’s week’s massive earthquakes.

The 35-member disaster response team rushed to the aid of people in the Samandag district of Hatay province after rescuing two people from debris in Gaziantep province.

Speaking to Anadolu, team leader Yas Kidayir Merze wished mercy to those who lost their lives, and a speedy recovery to the injured.

“This pain is our pain,” he said. “We are very sorry about the earthquake, and our colleagues are trying to do their part.”

Emphasizing that brighter days come after times of difficulty, Merze said: “We will do our best. I wish that the already existing brotherhood and togetherness here will be restored stronger.”

“I hope we will see better days together. I saw the brotherhood of the Turkish people here and their friendliness towards each other,” he added.

Besides Turkish crew, more than 7,600 foreign personnel from 76 countries are on the ground in the affected region, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Over 35,000 people have died in the magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 quakes that struck southern Türkiye nine hours apart on Feb. 6.