Two German aid organizations suspended rescue operations in the earthquake-hit areas of Turkey yesterday, citing problems and reports of clashes between groups of people and gunfire.

The German International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR) and the German Federal Service for Technical Assistance have announced that they will resume their mission once the Turkish civil protection service has declared the situation safe.

Sorrow is slowly turning to anger and so they will remain on the joint base with the Federal Technical Assistance Service for the time being, ISAR’s head of operations, Stefan Bayer, told Reuters, adding however that the organizations will be ready to help immediately if there are signs for survivors.

Turkish authorities have not reported any clashes in the earthquake-hit area, but President Erdogan commented on the security situation yesterday, noting that he has declared a state of emergency and that there have been reports of looting.

The Austrian forces’ Disaster Relief Unit also temporarily suspended operations today, but then resumed operations with Defence Ministry spokesman, Michael Bauer, tweeting that the Turkish military had taken over the protection of the Austrian Force.

Switzerland announced that it is closely monitoring the security situation in Hatay and that security measures have been increased accordingly.

With information from: APA MPA

Also read: Earthquake in Turkey | Greek aid sent for the deadly earthquake arrives in Incirlik