Pakistan

Pakistan Army saves over six people trapped under debris in Turkiye

Rescue team retrieves 80 bodies from rubble, hands them over to their heirs

Khalid Mehmood February 13, 2023

An aerial view shows damaged and collapsed buildings, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Hatay, Turkey February 10, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan Army managed to rescue more than six people, including a 14-year-old boy, trapped under the debris of buildings collapsed during a powerful earthquake which ripped through south-eastern Turkiye, near Syria’s border, last Monday.

The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria climbed to 33,000 on Sunday, with the United Nations warning that the final number might double.

Officials and medics said 29,605 people had died in Turkiye and 3,574 in Syria from Monday's 7.8-magnitude tremor, bringing the confirmed total to 33,179.

Pakistan despatched its army’s search and rescue team for assistance in the relief efforts.

In 120 hours of hectic efforts, Pakistan Army – besides rescuing more than six people – recovered the bodies of 80 people and handed them over to their heirs.

The international media recognised Pakistan Army’s contribution in the relief operation in Turkiye, saying that it won the hearts of the Turkish people.

According to sources, Pakistan Army’s team was continuously engaged in rescue operation at 10 places in Turkiye.

The team, according to details, rescued a 14-year-old boy after 138 hours of the earthquake, which was being credited as a great achievement.

Regarding the professional services of the team and the achievements in the search operation, TRT World had a special conversation with a Pakistan Army officer.

The officer told TRT World that despite the most difficult conditions, the rescue teams of Pakistan Army presented a practical example of professionalism and dedication to save the boy.

The officer said the local teams also rescued and identified five persons buried under the debris. “The work of removing the debris for the rescue of the people is ongoing,” the officer said, adding that the Turkish people lauded the professional services of Pakistan Army’s team.

(With input from AFP)