The Hong Kong relief team that travelled to Turkey to assist in search and rescue operations after a devastating earthquakes rocked the region returned to the city on Friday night.
Southern Turkey and parts of neighbouring Syria were hit by a 7.8 magnitude quake on February 6, followed by a 7.7 magnitude quake several hours later. By Saturday, the death toll had surpassed 45,000.
The 59-strong Hong Kong team – which included 49 members of the Fire Services Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, and two rescue dogs – went to Hatay province, one of the worst hit areas.
They successfully rescued four survivors and found six bodies under the rubble.
Chief Executive John Lee spoke at a ceremony to welcome the team back to Hong Kong in the early hours of Saturday. Lee extended his condolences to the people of Turkey and expressed his thanks to members of Hong Kong’s relief efforts.
“The team showed no fear when faced with difficult conditions in the quake-stricken areas and successfully rescued four survivors,” Lee said. “They have displayed great professionalism and valiant dedication in the process.
To the Consul General of Turkey in Hong Kong, Peyami Kalyoncu, who attended the ceremony, Lee said: “Consul General, if I may, I would like to tell your people that they are not alone. Together with our motherland, the Hong Kong SAR will be with Turkey.”
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