Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble following an earthquake in Diyarbakir, Turkey Feb. 6, 2023. (Photo by SERTAC KAYAR / Reuters)
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will send off a 12-member team to Turkey, which is still reeling from the aftermath of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on Monday.
The team will be composed of representatives from the MMDA, the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Health, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Air Force, among others, according to an MMDA statement issued on Tuesday.
The team members had previously participated in rescue and retrieval operations in the aftermath of earthquakes in Bohol and Pampanga and even in Nepal.
They will be deployed for “an undetermined number of days” in southern Turkey, according to MMDA acting chair Don Artes. They will bring portable search and rescue equipment.
“The ambassador of Turkey requested the team’s deployment along with rescuers from other concerned government agencies. The contingent will be transported by Turkish Airlines at no cost,” Artes said.
“They will bring their experiences to Turkey to contribute support to its disaster response efforts and to express solidarity with the international community,” he added.
Artes said the MMDA would be working closely with the OCD in matters related to transport, logistics, and other preparations needed to provide assistance to earthquake-hit communities in Turkey.
The earthquake killed at least 5,000 people in both Turkey and Syria.
Two Filipinos in Turkey were so far reported hurt during the massive earthquake, according to the Department of Affairs.