Caucasus, Central Asian countries lend vital support after Türkiye quakes

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus are lending critical support for Türkiye’s ongoing earthquake relief efforts, sending hundreds of rescue and medical personnel, along with essential equipment and supplies.

According to the latest figures, at least 12,873 people have been killed and 62,937 others wounded after 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes struck 10 southern Turkish provinces within the space of a few hours, affecting around 13 million people.

More than 113,200 search and rescue teams are engaged in non-stop search and rescue efforts, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

Over 5,700 rescuers from foreign countries are helping out in the disaster area, AFAD said.

- Azerbaijan

At least 725 rescue personnel from Azerbaijan traveled to Türkiye’s Kahramanmaras region, along with a range of relief equipment and supplies.

“As a result of the search and rescue operations … 37 people, including eight children, were found alive and bodies of 145 people were taken out and handed over to the authorities,” a statement by the Azerbaijani Emergency Situations Ministry said.

Since Monday, Azerbaijan has sent seven planes carrying personnel and humanitarian aid to Türkiye, according to the state news agency Azertac.

Twenty truckloads of humanitarian aid were also sent to Türkiye for quake victims on Wednesday, carrying tents, beds, power generators, clothing, tables, chairs, towels, and other supplies.

- Kazakhstan

A second group of rescuers carrying equipment traveled to Türkiye’s Gaziantep region to take part in search and rescue operations, the Kazakh Emergency Situations Ministry announced on Thursday.

Among the rescuers, 15 are from Karaganda, while 18 from the Akmola region, who will join 100 Kazakh personnel already present in the country.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to allocate $1 million for emergency assistance to Türkiye, the presidential press service said.

Tokayev later visited the Turkish Embassy in Astana, where he expressed his condolences and pledged Kazakhstan will provide “all-round assistance to Türkiye.”

- Uzbekistan

More than 100 Uzbek rescuers are working in Ovakent, Hatay province, the Emergency Situations Ministry said on Thursday, adding that they pulled alive 13 people from the rubble. Bodies of 38 victims were also recovered.

It said another plane with humanitarian aid arrived in Hatay, adding: “Medics of Defense Ministry of Uzbekistan, medicines, emergency supplies and special equipment were delivered to the disaster zone.”

Meanwhile, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Turkish Embassy in Tashkent, where he expressed his condolences to the Turkish people.

The presidency said Mirziyoyev assured Uzbekistan is ready to provide all the necessary assistance.

- Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz rescue workers pulled out 22 bodies in the Kahramanmaras region, the country’s Emergency Situations Ministry said on Thursday.

According to the statement, the head of the 63-member Kyrgyz team said rescuers are working constantly, with psychologists and doctors providing psychological and medical assistance to citizens whose relatives have died.

Separately, the Foreign Ministry said it evacuated 22 of its citizens from the earthquake zone in Türkiye.

- Turkmenistan

Chairman of Poeple's Council (Halk Maslakhaty) Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat, and conveyed his condolences for the dead and injured, Türkiye’s Ambassador Togan Oral tweeted on Wednesday.

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- Tajikistan

A team of 50 Tajik rescuers arrived in Türkiye’s Kahramanmaras region early Thursday, following directives given by President Emomali Rahmon.

“Rescuers brought with them the necessary rescue equipment designed to carry out search operations and save victims,” a statement by the Tajik Emergency Situations Committee read.

The press release said it is the first time rescuers from the committee traveled abroad to provide assistance and participate in disaster relief efforts.

- Georgia

A team of 100 rescue workers from Georgia participated in search and rescue efforts in the Adiyaman region in southern Türkiye.

The Interior Ministry said rescuers pulled out a survivor on Wednesday night, noting that the injured person was then taken to a medical facility.

The team was initially made up of 60 firefighters and rescuers, but later bolstered with 40 more personnel.