Rescue teams from the Ministry of Emergencies of the Russian Federation, dispatched to assist Turkey after the catastrophic earthquake, are to be organized into multiple groups. This arrangement will allow the Russian specialists to operate around the clock, ensuring continuous search and rescue efforts. A representative from the ministry, speaking through TASS and identified as Danila Martynov, who serves as an adviser to the head of the ministry, explained the plan in detail.
In his briefing, the ministry spokesperson stated that the teams would be divided into several units and would begin operations both day and night. The structure is designed to maximize efficiency and maintain steady coverage, with shifts arranged to sustain momentum in the recovery zones while ensuring the safety and well-being of the personnel involved.
To date, more than 100 rescuers and medical professionals from Russia have traveled to Turkey to assist in the response. They arrived aboard three private aircraft, bringing essential medical supplies, equipment, and the expertise needed for large-scale search and rescue tasks in damaged urban areas and challenging terrain.
Latest official updates indicate that the earthquake in southeastern Turkey has resulted in a high casualty toll, with 2,379 reported deaths and 14,483 injuries. Additionally, authorities reported that 7,340 people had been rescued from rubble. Rescue operations have not paused and continue as teams work under challenging conditions to reach those still trapped and provide urgent medical care where needed.
A separate statement from the agency confirmed the ongoing, uninterrupted nature of the search and rescue missions, emphasizing the persistence and coordination required to manage such a vast and urgent operation across multiple affected districts and communities.
In remarks from Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the earthquake as the strongest event to strike the region since 1939, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the urgency of the national response. In a show of solidarity, Erdoğan announced seven days of national mourning, effective through February 12, to honor the victims and support the families affected by the catastrophe.