UK to send team of search-and-rescue specialists to tragedy
The UK is to send searchand-rescue support and equipment to Turkey, after the south-east of the country and northern Syria were rocked by two earthquakes that have left more than 3,000 people dead.
As details of the earthquakes emerged, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and many other world leaders said they were ready to offer any help required.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said the Government would be "sending immediate support", with a team of 76 search-and-rescue specialists, equipment and four search dogs being sent to Turkey.
Mr Sunak tweeted earlier: "My thoughts are with the people of Turkiye and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake.
"The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can."
Hundreds of people are still believed to be trapped under rubble, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers searched the wreckage in cities and towns across the region.mr Cleverly said: "The UK is sending immediate support to Turkey, including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs.
"In Syria, the Uk-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond. We stand ready to provide further support as needed."
The Foreign Office said that the UK is providing the support asked for by the Turkish government.
Jill Morris, the British ambassador-designate to Turkey, said: "The British embassy in Ankara is in close contact with the Turkish authorities to understand how we can best support those on the ground.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquakes today. We pay tribute to the brave Turkish first responders working to save lives."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called the earthquake a "tragedy" as he praised the "brave" searchand-rescue teams working "to try and save as many people as they can".
The British Red Cross yesterday launched an emergency fundraising appeal.