Lithuania Sends Rescue Team and Supplies to Earthquake-Hit Turkey
Lithuanian search and rescue team is leaving for earthquake-hit Turkey on the 9th February 2023. The team consists of 42 members, including 34 firefighters, 5 paramedics from Kaunas and 3 cynologists from the State Border Guard Service. Humanitarian aid is also being sent to Turkey with essential supplies for the victims.
“Our firefighters have the necessary skills and can help people in need. This team is made up of the best of the best. The team will be able to work in Turkey for two weeks. On behalf of the entire firefighting community, I wish them strength while carrying out responsible and demanding work requiring high levels of stamina. Stay safe while helping others,” said Saulius Greičius, Director of the Fire and Rescue Department.
“The team members are ready to face any challenge. They have repeatedly taken part in international exercises to improve their skills in rescuing people from ruins. We carry with us equipment for search and rescue in ruins: drills, saws, seismological equipment, search cameras and more,” said Mr Gediminas Šukšta, Team Leader of the International Assistance Team, Chief of Forces Management Board of the Fire and Rescue Department.
Once the team has landed in Turkey, the Turkish rescue services will direct them to the rescue site.
In the near future, 90 tents, 50 electric heaters, 1 000 bedding sets, 1 000 pillows, 7 700 blankets and medical supplies will be delivered to Turkey from our national reserve.
The total material value of the humanitarian aid approved at the Government meeting and allocated to Turkey amounts to EUR 528 000. The National Crisis Management Centre played an inter-institutional coordination role in mobilising the assistance.