[Taiwan Immigrants’ Global News Network] A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey on February 6 at 4:17 a.m. local time (9:17 a.m. Taiwan time). National Fire Agency, Ministry of the Interior took the initiative in gathering the initial group of 40 individuals and 3 dogs after receiving a notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about an emergency. In the evening, the rescue team arrived at Taoyuan International Airport. Turkish Representative to Taiwan Muhammed Berdibek, Minister of Foreign Affairs (吳釗燮), Minister of the Interior (林右昌), and other officials made a trip to the airport to thank the rescue tram by presenting the flag. Taiwanese citizens are also interested in Turkey. On the internet, people posted messages of support saying, "Turkey, this time Taiwan is here to help!"
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The representative of Turkey in Taiwan went to the airport to shake hands with the rescuers to express gratitude.Photo provided by Ministry of the Interior
A shallow earthquake of a magnitude of 7.8 happened in Kahramanmaraş, which is in southern Turkey and is close to the Syrian border. There have been at least 18 aftershocks, and the nearby provinces include Hatay, Gaziantep, Adana, and others. According to CNN, the powerful earthquake has currently resulted in more than 1,500 fatalities in Turkey and Syria and more than 6,000 injuries. The destruction was caused by the strongest earthquake in a century.
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A century-old earthquake hits Turkey, destroying 10 cities.Photo reproduced from CNN
A rescue team has been promptly mobilized and dispatched to Turkey in support of disaster relief. President Tsai Ing-wen has also declared a donation of US$200,000 (about NT$6.01 million) to Turkey for disaster assistance. On the evening of the February 6th, Turkish Airlines dispatched the first s rescue team, which was made up of 40 workers, three search and rescue dogs, and roughly five tons of equipment. At 9:00 am on February 7th, an additional 90 members of the rescue team, totaling 40 individuals, will also be flown to Turkey in a special Evergreen aircraft.
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When 921 earthquake hit Taiwan, Turkish government firstly sent rescue team to Taiwan for aid. Photo reproduced from Rifat (吳鳳)’s Facebook
Minister of the Interior (林右昌) indicated that when 921 earthquake hit Taiwan, Turkish government firstly sent rescue team to Taiwan for aid. Now that Turkey is in trouble, Taiwan will definitely help. Rifat (吳鳳), a new Turkish immigrant thanked Taiwan for lending Taiwan support. On social media, many of my new Turkish friends in Taiwan have also shared updates on the state of affairs there.
Turkey was hit by A 7.8-magnitude Earthquake, and the first group of Taiwanese rescue teams set off to assist in the search and rescue that night. Photo provided by Ministry of the Interior
The Taiwanese government declared a donation of US$ 200,000 to the Turkish government for disaster relief and the resettlement of the victims, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing the spirit of humanitarian care has no borders in disaster relief. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working with Turkey to coordinate the sending of search and rescue personnel from our nation to help Turkey dealing with the calamity. Anytime during the coordination process, significant advancements will be communicated to the public.
