Hungarian rescue team leaves for Türkiye

Hungary’s Hunor rescue team has left for Türkiye to help those affected by a major earthquake that hit the country early on Monday.

Providing fast assistance at a time of such a disaster is critical, Bence Rétvári, a state secretary of the interior ministry, said before the team’s departure.

The faster help arrives, the more lives can be saved, Rétvári said, noting that more than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead after the earthquake and 5,000-6,000 have been injured.

The 55-member team comprises firefighters, military doctors and members of the ambulance service. Its mission in Türkiye will also be assisted by search dogs.

The team and its 90 tonnes of equipment and supplies are being flown to Türkiye with an Airbus A319 of the Hungarian Armed Forces. Their work will be directed by Türkiye’s disaster management authority. The team’s supplies are enough for 10 days.

Rétvári noted that the Hunor rescue team was established 11 years ago and that since then Hungarian disaster management has proven it to be one of the world’s best prepared rescue teams. Hunor has provided help in Serbia, Macedonia and Japan, among other places, he said.

Rétvári said Hunor would also strengthen Hungarian-Turkish friendship, and thanked the team for its work.

Read more news about earthquake-hit Türkiye:

• Hungarian embassy in Ankara temporarily evacuated, a Hungarian is in the danger zone
• Hungary provides immediate assistance to earthquake-hit Türkiye – UPDATE

Source: MTI