45 nations join race against time to save thousands feared trapped in rubble

BRITAIN, Europe and the US were last night leading a 45-nation inter national rescue effort to help Turkey and Syria following yesterday’s earthquakes which left thousands dead.

As the scale of the tragedy began to emerge, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly pledged the UK would stand ready to provide assistance”. This was quickly followed by a promise of solidarity and help from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

He said: My thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria, particularly those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake.

Seismic

“The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can.”

Britain immediately sent 76 search and rescue specialists, four search dogs and rescue equipment, which arrived in Turkey last night.

The team has specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, propping and shoring tools.

An emergency medical team was also being flown out from Britain.

Mr Cleverly said in northwest Syria, UK-funded White Helmet rescuers have also mobilised.

The Government said it was also in contact with British humanitarian workers in the areas and stood ready to provide support to any UK nationals affected. The British

Red Cross announced it had instantly released 25,000 from its Disaster Fund to enhance the immediate response and will support this in a full emergency appeal.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: It is shocking to see the scale of destruction caused by this earthquake more than a thousand people have been killed and homes, hospitals and roads have been destroyed across the region.