Greek rescue team: the Turks welcomed us

The Greek team, which took part in the search and rescue efforts in Turkey after two major earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and then returned to their country, explained that the Turks welcomed them as one of the family, with great interest and love.

After the earthquakes that took place in Kahramanmaraş and caused great destruction in 10 provinces, the team of the Greek Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK), which participated in the search and rescue efforts in the region, gave their impression, experience and information in the press conference held at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection after returning to his country, he spoke about the love and friendship he saw in Turkey.

Interpreting the “friendship” messages for the Greek search and rescue team in the Turkish press, the team said that despite the difficulties they experienced, the Turkish people were extremely friendly and “like family”.
He said he was acting like one. Stating that the earthquake victims put aside the difficulties they experienced and tried to offer them tea, food and sweets, the team members expressed that they had very good communication with the Turkish people.

‘INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY IS IMPORTANT’

The head of the medical team, Sokratis Dukas, said: “Wherever we went, everyone hugged us when we said we were Greeks.” The team reported that a 7-8 year old boy
Cookies, the happiness of the rescued and their families, and the children playing in a park around the rubble are some of the memories they will never forget.

Efthimis Aravanis, Deputy Head of the Search and Rescue Team, mentioned the international solidarity shown in search and rescue efforts under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, stating that first aid is always expected from the neighbor and mostly comes from neighbour’s. Aravanis stressed that this solidarity between countries is important.