Why are rescue teams leaving Türkiye?

Photo: RTVE

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Three rescue teams that arrived from Spain in Türkiye following the February 6 earthquakes returned to their countries.

Anadolu Agency reported that Cinthia Morales from a rescue team from Spain said, before leaving for Spain, "We are returning happily since we did good work. It was very difficult and we tried to do all we can. We worked very well and in good coordination with the officials."

On the other hand, it was reported in press in Spain that the decision of the government of Türkiye to start to work on the wreckages of collapsed buildings with heavy equipment was influential in the decision to return.

Pedro Frutos from a rescue team told the RTVE channel of Spain, "The government of Türkiye took a decision to start to work on the wreckages of collapsed buildings using heavy equipment. Using equipment means gaining time. But this will kill people." Frustos told the channel that they did not want to be a part of this.

"If there was better coordination..."

Sevilla rescue team from Spain also decided to return. Team member Juan Francisco Gutierrez Zazo said, in relation to their decision, "We could make much better use of the means we have in our hands here today if there was better coordination."

Previously the rescue teams from Austria and Germany had stopped their work due to "security concerns," to which Süleyman Soylu, the Interior Minister responded, "How can one cast aspersions this much? The teams later re-started the rescue works.

First the voluntary health service team United Hatzalah returned to Israel after announcing that they have received an intelligence warning.

Rescue teams from Germany returned yesterday

The THW, ISAR Germany and BRH teams from Germany returned to their country on Monday (February 13).

DW Türkçe reported that THW of Germany was planning the return of the 50-member team to Germany yesterday (February 13).

ISAR and BRH of Germany were also to return yesterday.

Jürgen Schart, the president of BRH, the rescue team that arrived in Türkiye following the earthquakes together with rescue dogs, announced that they have realized their most extensive international duty so far.

ISAR and BRH together announced that 42 rescuers and seven rescue dogs worked in Kırıkhan, Hatay, and rescued four people alive. Both institutions will continue sending aid to the earthquake-hit region.

Volunteers of @fire have also returned to Germany. They announced that they have been working in Maraş with 38 rescuers and three rescue dogs and rescued five people alive. (SD/PE)