The Lebanese search and rescue mission returns home after a 4-day effort in Turkey.
Caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin expressed gratitude to the 72-member team via Twitter:
“The Lebanese rescue mission from Turkey is on its way to Lebanon and arrives at 13:15 at Rafic Hariri International Airport after carrying out its search and rescue missions for four consecutive days in Marash governorate. Heartfelt thanks to the 72 team members who did not hesitate and were in the affected area 12 hours after the disaster.”
The team’s effort was focused on the Marash governorate, near the epicenter of the earthquake.
Their arrival at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport at 1:15 pm local time was met with applause and appreciation.
Teams from the Lebanese Army Engineering Brigade, the Lebanese Red Cross, the Lebanese Civil Defense, and the Beirut Fire Brigades went to Turkey and Syria to help in search and rescue operations.
Videos quickly emerged of the team in action saving lives.
On February 6th, 2023, two devastating earthquakes struck Turkey with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5. The earthquakes caused widespread damage in both Turkey and Syria, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and many injuries. The impact was felt across Lebanon, with shockwaves reaching as high as 5 magnitude and subsequent tremors.
On February 20th, 2023, another two earthquakes hit southern Turkey, with a magnitude of 6.4 and 5.8 just minutes apart.
