WORLD – TURKEY
Austrian military rescue workers have temporarily suspended rescue operations in Turkey due to the deteriorating security situation. Shots were reportedly heard at the rescue site.
“There is increasing aggression between groups in Turkey,” Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Kugelweis of the Austrian armed forces told the APA news agency on Saturday.
An 82-member Austrian military rescue team has been in Turkey’s Hatay province since Tuesday. They brought 45 tonnes of equipment with them and were able to rescue nine people from under the rubble.
“We, the Austrians, have not been attacked. We are fine,” Mr Kugelweis said. – “We would have liked to continue helping, but the circumstances are what they are.”
The Austrians are currently at the base camp together with representatives of other international organisations waiting for further instructions.
The death toll has exceeded 24,000
The death toll in Turkey has reached 20,065 following Monday’s catastrophic earthquake.
In neighbouring Syria, 3,553 deaths are reported, bringing the total number of victims of the disaster to more than 24,000.
Source: lrytas.lt
