Pakistani rescuers complete operation in quake-hit Turkiye

Team commander says they searched and rescued survivors from collapsed buildings during a five-day operation

LAHORE:

The UN-INSARAG-certificated Pakistan Rescue Team (PRT) has successfully completed its rescue and relief operation in Adiyaman, Turkiye, one of the 10 provinces affected by a deadly earthquake.

Rizwan Naseer, the commander of the 52-member team, speaking exclusively to The Express Tribune said that the Urban Search and Rescue Operation has come to an end and the team will be departing for Pakistan on Monday.

According to Naseer, the PRT was the first international team to arrive in Turkiye for the relief work. The rescue operation continued for five days and the Turkish government has now started clearing the debris and relocating survivors to different parts of the country.

Naseer stated that the possibility of finding survivors trapped under the rubble is slim, given that nearly six days have passed since the earthquake. The team searched for survivors in at least 59 buildings using locators and rescued those who were found.

Also read: Pakistani rescuers bring relief to Türkiye quake survivors

A member of the team, who requested anonymity, shared that the rescue teams used locators that employed different forms of rays to scan the buildings for signs of life.

"It is not possible for a human being scientifically and biologically to survive after four to five days without food and water," the anonymous member of the team stated. Naseer added that local authorities have now moved in large excavators to remove the debris. The team will remain in Turkey until Monday to continue its relief work.

Naseer expressed his pride in the team's efforts and their success in sending teams to foreign lands for rescue and relief operations. The Pakistan Rescue Team has demonstrated its capabilities and expertise in responding to natural disasters, making a positive impact in the lives of those affected.