GEA, A-PAD’s partner organization in Turkey, rescued a survivor 128 hours after the earthquake struck.

GEA’s 287 members gathered from all over the country and began its rescue operations in Hatay.

“Relatives are under the rubble, please help.” GEA received 2,078 calls for assistance. The team has conducted rescue operations in 113 locations.

On February 7, A-PAD’s search and rescue specialist, Chun-Yuan Huang, joined GEA. “This might be the most difficult operation I have been a part of in my thirty-year career. It is hard to know exactly how people are trapped in the rubble. It could take over seven hours to rescue just one person. We would like to help as many as possible, however, over 10,000 people are still believed to be buried.”

As of February 11, GEA has rescued 39 people. “We were able to rescue someone after 128 hours. We have not given up on this fight,” said GEA’s director. 

As a member of ARROWS, A-PAD is conducting needs assessments and providing relief items such as water, food, blankets, and hygiene items to evacuation centers.

A-PAD is also planning on distributing tents donated from Taiwan. Many survivors have been sleeping on the streets and safe shelters are much needed right now.

A-PAD is using its network and working to deliver as much assistance as possible to people affected by the disaster. Thank you for your continuous support.