WEST Midlands Fire Service has shared images of the devastating aftermath following an earthquake in Turkey.
Eight West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) personnel have travelled to Turkey as part of the UK’s response to the disaster that has affected the south of the country and northern Syria.
West Midlands Fire Service has received some ‘devastating’ images from colleagues who are part of the wider UK International Search and Rescue Team.
The images show collapsed buildings and rubble covering streets.
It has now been confirmed that the UK is sending ‘life saving' equipment to Turkey and Syria following the earthquake which has killed over 11,000 people.
These are some of the devastating images we've received from Türkiye, where eight of our @WestMidsFire personnel are part of the wider @UK_ISAR_TEAM rescue effort. pic.twitter.com/v4jSrUpb02
— West Midlands Fire Service (@WestMidsFire) February 8, 2023
The 7.8 magnitude quake hit southern Turkey in the early hours of Monday, followed by powerful aftershocks, reducing thousands of buildings across the country and northern Syria to rubble as people slept.
The UK Government announced on Wednesday that it was providing thousands of medical kits, tents and blankets to help survivors amid freezing temperatures in both countries.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The UK is sending life-saving kit to Turkey and Syria.
“This will include vital medical expertise and hygiene kits and also tents and blankets to help people keep warm and sheltered in the terrible freezing conditions they are having to endure on top of the devastation of the earthquakes.
“Our priority is to ensure life-saving assistance is given to those most in need, co-ordinated with the Turkish government, UN and international partners.”
The UK is also sending medics, having already flown a team of 76 search-and-rescue specialists, complete with state-of-the-art equipment and four specially trained dogs to the countries.
It comes as officials confirmed 8,574 deaths in Turkey and 2,660 in Syria, bringing the death toll to over 11,000.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here