Chongqing- The second batch of the Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue (BSR) team of six members left on the evening of February 10 to Türkiye, joining with other BSR members nationwide, to engage in rescue work after a catastrophic earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria on Monday.
From 0:00 on February 9 to 18:00 on February 10 Beijing time, Chinese rescuers BSR team found one survivor and two victims in quake-hit Türkiye.
The first batch of the 9-member rescue team has now completed the search and rescue work in three operating sites, said Tan Chao, director of the international liaison department, Chongqing BSR team. The team arrived in the southern Turkish city of Malatya, finding one victim and two survivors by February 9.
The Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue team members carried out the search and rescue mission in quake-hit Malatya, Türkiye. (Photo/ Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue team)
"The current rescue mission in Malatya, Türkiye is arduous, with more than 240 buildings collapsed in the region," said Tan.
Currently, the BSR team is divided into six mission areas, sending five search and rescue groups, five action groups, a medical group, and an information group to carry out related work.
"Chongqing team members have ruled out many areas by carrying the radar life detector, snake eyes, and other rescue equipment," said Tan. "The current rescue work is still in progress."
A Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue team member used a radar life detector for the rescue. (Photo/ Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue team)
Skilled with relevant experience, the second batch of the Chongqing BSR team of six members has all participated in large-scale disaster rescue efforts with rich experience.
Peng Lanxuan is the only female member of this troop, and she is in charge of logistics, medical treatment, and psychological counseling in this international rescue.
With a red rope Chinese knot bracelet on her hand, she said this was given by her teammates. Chinese knots are supposed to ward off evil spirits, symbolizing longevity and eternity.
"I'm warmed by the support of my partners," said Peng. "We hope everyone can bring peace and harmony abroad and back home."
According to Xinhua News Agency, powerful earthquakes struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria on February 6. Tens of thousands of people are confirmed dead across Türkiye and Syria, with the numbers expected to rise.
The earthquake destroyed people's homes and local infrastructure. Relief items and supplies are pouring in. Search and rescue efforts are still underway.
Chinese firms operating in Türkiye are also trying their best to provide aid and support to the earthquake zone, including Chinese telecom giant Huawei, the Turkish branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and the Chinese construction machinery manufacturers operating in Türkiye, such as Zoomlion and Sany group.
The second batch of six members of the Chongqing BSR team was sent to Türkiye on February 10. (Photo/ Chongqing Blue Sky Rescue team)