UK Search and Rescue Team Arrive in Göksun to Assist After Devastating Earthquake

Göksun, a town on the edge of Turkey, has been struck by a powerful earthquake that has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Buildings with their walls ripped open, homes turned to rubble, and a town left deserted, these are just some of the sights that greet visitors to Göksun.

In the aftermath of the disaster, most residents fled, while those who stayed struggled to survive in the freezing temperatures. King Charles and Queen Camilla have conveyed their sympathy to the families affected by the earthquakes in Turkey. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has sent a search and rescue team to assist in the rescue efforts in Göksun.

Search and Rescue Team Arrives in Göksun

A team of 77 UK search and rescue specialists, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, has landed in Gaziantep in southeast Turkey. The team, made up of firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services across the country, is well prepared to locate survivors in the rubble of the earthquakes. The specialists are equipped with seismic listening devices, concrete cutting and breaking equipment, and propping and shoring tools. An emergency medical team is also on the flight to conduct a full assessment of the situation on the ground.

Thoughts and Prayers with the Affected

King Charles has expressed his sympathy to all those affected by the earthquakes in Turkey. He said, "My wife and I have been most shocked and profoundly saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes in South East Turkiye (Turkey). I can only begin to imagine the scale of suffering and loss as a result of these dreadful tragedies and I particularly wanted to convey our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the families of all those who have lost their loved ones."

King Charles went on to say, "Our thoughts and special prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this appalling natural disaster, whether through injury or the destruction of their property, and also with the emergency services and those assisting in the rescue efforts."

Surviving in Göksun

As powerful aftershocks continued to shake Göksun, residents who stayed behind struggled to survive in temperatures that dropped well below zero. They took shelter in their cars or around makeshift campfires, struggling to find food and water, and fearing further tremors. The UK's search and rescue team, along with other emergency services, are working to locate survivors and bring aid to those in need.

Conclusion

The earthquake in Göksun has left a trail of destruction in its wake, and the town is now a ghost town. The UK's search and rescue team has arrived in Gaziantep to assist in the rescue efforts, and King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed their sympathy to the families affected by the earthquakes. The emergency medical team is conducting a full assessment of the situation on the ground, and the search and rescue team is well equipped to locate survivors and bring aid to those in need. The thoughts and prayers of all are with those affected by this devastating natural disaster.