Two German aid teams suspended rescue operations in earthquake-hit Turkey on Saturday, citing security concerns and reports of clashes and gunfire.
The German International Search and Rescue Service (ISAR) and the German Federal Technical Assistance Service (THW) said they would resume their work as soon as the Turkish civil protection agency AFAD declared the situation safe.
“You can see the sadness slowly receding and giving way to anger. Therefore, we will remain in a joint camp with THW for the time being,” ISAR director of operations Stephen Bayer told Reuters, adding, however, that the organizations would be immediately ready to help if there were signs of survivors.
And the AFP news agency reported clashes between unidentified groups. Turkish authorities, however, did not comment on any unrest in the area, but President Tayyip Erdogan spoke about the general security situation on Saturday, noting that a state of emergency had been declared and looting had taken place.
“From now on, people involved in looting or kidnapping should know that the firm hand of the state will prevent them,” he said during a visit to the area.
And the Austrian military has suspended rescue operations in quake-hit Turkey due to a “deteriorating security situation,” their spokesman tweeted on Saturday.
Ministry spokesman Michael Bauer tweeted that the Austrian Armed Forces Assistance Unit (AFDRU) will be available for further rescue operations once the environment is safe. that the Turkish army took over the protection of the AFDRU.
About 82 rescuers of the Austrian armed forces have been in Turkish Antakya since February 7, their specialists have removed nine people from the rubble.
Switzerland said it is closely monitoring the security situation in Hatay and has stepped up security measures accordingly.
Switzerland has sent 87 experts and 8 dogs to help with the rescue operation and has so far rescued 11 people, including two babies, since they arrived on Tuesday. An additional 12-man team was sent on Friday.
Source: Reuters, AFP.
Source: Kathimerini
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