Taiwanese search and rescue team of 130 people returned to their country

Taiwan’s representative in Ankara, Volkan Chih-Yang Huang, bid farewell to the team, which completed its duty in the earthquake zone, from the Istanbul airport. Making a statement to the press at the airport, Huang said:

* “First of all, I would like to offer my condolences to our Turkish friends and the Turkish government. When the earthquake happened, our country announced that it immediately donated $2 million to the Turkish government. Also, many non-governmental organizations made a lot of donations.

* Approximately $16-18 million has been raised so far. And our search and rescue team arrived here on the second day of the earthquake on February 7th. In total, two groups of 130 people and 5 search and rescue dogs went to Adıyaman.

* We were the first team to reach Adıyaman. Frankly, the situation was very bad and we tried to overcome it in cooperation with our Turkish friends. I would like to thank the ministries and the local administration, especially AFAD. Without your support we would not have been able to carry out our operations.

* So far, the rescue stage is over, our team has done its job and is leaving. We are here, we are not leaving, we and our government will continue to support the Turkish government and its people. I hope the Turkish government and people heal their wounds as soon as possible.”

Huang ended his speech in Turkish by saying “Get well soon.” The Taiwanese national team traveled to their country by private plane after the passport formalities after the souvenir photo session. (DHA)