GMFRS team fly to Turkey to rescue those trapped in rubble following earthquake

• 77 UK rescuers have been flown out to Turkey to search for trapped people following last week’s earthquake, four of which were from GMFRS
• Turkey and Syria were among the countries worst hit by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake
• Tremors felt by millions and death toll goes past 37,000 according to UN and regional governments

Members of Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) and UK International Search and Rescue Team (UK ISAR) are in Turkey in hopes of rescuing people that are trapped in fallen buildings.

The first earthquake reached a 7.8 magnitude on the Richter scale, followed by devastating aftershocks which left thousands displaced while more suffered excruciating deaths.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Barry Moore said: “Our thoughts go out to the many thousands across Turkey and Syria who have tragically lost loved ones and livelihoods in these earthquakes, and to the emergency responders working to locate and rescue survivors”.

Videos are surfacing of Turkish inhabitants being rescued days after being trapped.

Moore went on to say:

“Four of our firefighters have now arrived in Turkey and will rapidly be deployed to assist search and rescue operations in the affected areas”.

Moore mentions the firefighters have been specially trained to respond to humanitarian disasters like these.

The GMFRS team that were sent to Turkey includes Ramsbottom Station Manager Martin Foran and firefighters David Hedgecock from Ashton and Steven Pennington from Leigh.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have sent health supplies for approximately 400,000 people that have been impacted by the earthquakes.

People are also being asked to stay vigilant as scammers are looking to profit from the earthquake by keeping relief donations for themselves.