Turkey finally accepted a rescue team from Cyprus.

The rescue team, which will go to Turkey to help the areas affected by the earthquake, will consist of 20 people.

Η Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία 🇨🇾ενημερώθηκε προ ολίγου από τον Ευρωπαικό Μηχανισμό Πολιτικής Προστασίας ότι η η προσφορά της Κύπρου για αποστολή ομάδας διάσωσης έγινε αποδεκτή από την Τουρκία. pic.twitter.com/TgRlijnwrE

— Demetris Demetriou (@demetris_dem) February 8, 2023

According to the press representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dimitris Dimitriou, the Republic of Cyprus was recently informed by the European Civil Protection Mechanism that Turkey accepted Cyprus’ offer to send a rescue team.

International aid started arriving yesterday, as the first rescue teams were deployed and food and basic necessities were already being sent, mainly to the Turkish provinces. Earlier, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, announced that 45 countries had offered aid.

European Union

A European Commission spokesman said the EU, through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, had mobilized more than 30 search and rescue teams as well as medical personnel from 21 European countries, including Albania and Montenegro. In total, more than 1,200 rescuers and 70 specially trained dogs have been offered by European countries. Eleven teams are already on the field and the rest are expected soon.

Despite its recently strained relations with Ankara, Sweden announced a donation of about $650,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Turkey and Syria. Germany announced yesterday that a search and rescue team consisting of 50 rescuers would leave for Adana in the afternoon.

From France, 139 rescuers of the Civil Protection Service are expected in Turkey and will probably be deployed in Kahramanmaras, the epicenter of the first earthquake. Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Spain have also sent rescue teams to Turkey, with the latter also sending drones to Malatya, home to the coordination center for international aid.

Also read: Akkuyu | “In case of an earthquake, the Mediterranean and Mersin will be destroyed” – Claims for the nuclear power plant – VIDEO

USA, China and Russia

The White House announced that two rescue teams, consisting of 79 people, are to be sent to Turkey after President Joe Biden announced that he had asked the agencies to provide all necessary assistance to Turkey. Beijing announced yesterday that it was sending $5.9 million in aid, rescue workers specializing in operations in urban areas, medical teams, and equipment. President Vladimir Putin announced that rescuers are sent to Turkey. In the latter, 300 Russian soldiers stationed there already started helping remove the debris.

Maghreb

From the North African countries, Algeria is sending 17 tons of material that can be used in rescue operations as well as an initial group of 89 specialists in dealing with serious risks.

Tunisia has made 14 tonnes of bedding and food such as baby formula available to those affected, while Libyan Prime Minister, Abdelhamid Dbeiba, ordered a team of 55 rescuers and five trained dogs to be sent “immediately”.

Lebanon

Beirut has opened its airspace and ports, exempting shipping and airline companies arriving in the country to meet humanitarian needs from fees and taxes, the Ministry of Public Works announced.

Gulf countries

Qatar announced it is sending an expeditionary hospital and rescue teams to Turkey. The United Arab Emirates sends the same to Turkey.

Britain/Ireland

British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverley, announced on Monday the departure of 76 rescuers, equipment, and dogs, for Turkey. Dublin pledged €2 million in humanitarian aid.

Also read: Tanker LESVOS | In Lebanon for humanitarian aid

Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country, despite the war with Russia, is ready to provide the necessary assistance to Turkey. The head of the Ukrainian diplomacy, Dmytro Kuleba, spoke of a large group of rescuers.

India

India has decided to immediately send rescue teams and doctors as well as various necessary materials, the government announced.

Japan

According to the official announcement from Tokyo, Japan will send a disaster response team to help meet humanitarian needs.

Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered all agencies to immediately prepare to provide medical aid and participate in rescue operations.

Iran

The Syrian news agency Sana reported that Tehran sent an aircraft to Damascus on Monday carrying 45 tons of various items, including blankets, tents, medicine, and food.

According to official data, cited by AFP, rescuers are fighting for a third day against time to reach trapped people.

As the agency reports, the death toll according to the data provided by officials and doctors is 7,108 dead in Turkey and 2,547 in Syria. However, the number of those trapped remains unknown.

Also read: Haiti | Humanitarian Aid from Greece – VIDEO