A prominent American entrepreneur, Elon Musk, signaled willingness to aid Türkiye in times of crisis by offering Starlink satellite terminals for rescue and relief operations if needed after the devastating earthquake. The offer came through a social media post where Musk stated that Starlink would be sent as soon as authorities in Türkiye granted the necessary authorization, underscoring a readiness to mobilize critical communications support without delay.
In response to a question from a user on a social platform about the feasibility of delivering a terminal to assist rescuers on the ground, Musk clarified that permission from Turkish authorities is a prerequisite. He emphasized SpaceX’s commitment to shipping the terminals immediately once formal approval is secured, highlighting the company’s focus on rapid, field-ready connectivity for emergency responders when allowed by local regulations.
The discussion unfolded amid a broader public briefing about the earthquake’s impact. Türkiye’s Interior Ministry reported that the seismic event, one of the most powerful to strike the region in years, affected ten provinces, with Kahramanmaraş experiencing the most severe damage. The initial quake measured 7.4 in magnitude and was followed by numerous aftershocks, including several strong events exceeding magnitude 6, complicating rescue and recovery efforts and increasing strain on emergency services and infrastructure.
During the ongoing response, Turkish officials conveyed a heightened sense of urgency and anxiety as relief operations continued. The Interior Minister, along with other provincial authorities, coordinated evacuation, search and rescue, medical aid, and temporary shelter provisions for affected residents, while monitoring aftershock activity and the progress of international assistance requests. The situation remained fluid, with authorities signaling continued vigilance and a sustained commitment to aid delivery until stability returned to the affected regions.