Germany suspends search and rescue efforts

Two aid organizations in Germany announced that they stopped their activities in the earthquake zones due to security concerns.

The German International Search and Rescue Agency (ISAR) and the German Federal Agency for Technical Assistance (THW) announced that they will suspend rescue efforts until AFAD declares that the situation in the region is safe again. Conflicts in the region and some armed attacks were cited as reasons in the statements of the two organizations.

Steven Bayer, Operations Manager of ISAR, located in the city of Kırıkhan, stated that the security situation in the earthquake region deteriorated and this is a common situation in disaster areas and said: “Food and water are in short supply. . “People’s hopes are diminishing and anger is rising,” he said.

Bayer said they are ready to stay in the earthquake zone and carry out rescue work if necessary.

Yesterday, units of the Austrian army announced that they were suspending search and rescue efforts. The Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) halted the work due to the worsening security situation due to clashes between the groups, but later restarted it.

The spokesman for the Austrian Defense Ministry announced that the rescue work has resumed after the Turkish army provided security.

Switzerland, which sent a rescue team of 87 people to Turkey, also reported that security measures are gradually increasing in earthquake zones.