Since their arrival in Türkiye last week, South African Search and Rescue (SAR) members teamed up with a local Turkish unit, and immediately got to work with conducting a meticulous search through a collapsed ten storey building.

A handpicked team flew to the earthquake-stricken area in Türkiye and Syria and the banner of Gift of the Givers.

Making use of heavy machinery, specialized SAR and access equipment, teams methodically work a process through sites, in the hope of locating survivors. The use of K9’s as well as sensitive sonar, thermal and audio equipment, aides in locating trapped persons.

Unfortunately, no survivors were located on the site the South Africans worked at.

Team members are fatigued because of travel and adapting to local conditions. There is limited food and trying environmental conditions prevail. Members remain in good spirit and have worked through day and night, as they take turns resting for short periods.

Paul Herbst, Medi Response spokesperson and part of the team, says Medi Response members will be assigned new taskings, as their current tasking is concluded, and the area is confirmed as cleared.

The Gift of the Givers team were joined by members of the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue unit on Saturday.