Leo Docherty MP, in his role as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Europe, visited Turkey this week to see first-hand how British support has helped the country following the devastating earthquakes
On 6th February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, inflicting widespread damage across an area the size of Germany, and tragically taking the lives of more than 55,000 people.
In the days following the disaster, the United Kingdom dispatched a team of 77 search and rescue specialists and 4 search dogs to Gaziantep, as well as an emergency medical team. The British team was made up of firefighters and staff from across the 14 different fire and rescue services, equipped with specialist search equipment to locate survivors in the rubble.
As part of the Government's immediate response, vital items and equipment, such as tents, thermal blankets and hygiene kits, were rapidly deployed which will meet the needs of up to 15,000 people.
The UK has committed additional packages of support to address the urgent humanitarian needs in Turkey and Syria, with overseas aid funding and additional emergency relief, to support families made homeless in freezing conditions. A joint MoD-FCDO Field Hospital was also deployed, including an emergency department, 24/7 operating theatre and accompanying medical staff, to provide lifesaving medical care to work side-by-side with Turkish medics
Leo met with the Turkish Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) to learn about their response to this terrible tragedy.
Commenting, Leo said:
"Whilst in Turkey this week, I conveyed my condolences for the recent devastating earthquakes to Deputy Foreign Minister, Mehmet Kemal Bozay.
"I was humbled to hear from AFAD, the Turkish Interior Ministry of Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, how they responded to last month’s tragedies and how British support has helped those affected.
"The British Government will continue to work closely with the Turkish government, the UN and other partners to provide the much needed support to the people of Turkey and Syria."
Leo pictured with Head of AFAD Yunus Sezer