Immediately after the “disaster of the century”, the epicenter of which was the Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş and affecting 11 provinces, the Turkish Armed Forces mobilized and assumed important tasks in coordination with AFAD and governorships.
The search and rescue teams of the Turkish Armed Forces, supported by 29 search and rescue dogs, rescued 326 people from the rubble in the earthquake area. 57 battalions and 100 search and rescue teams assigned to earthquake zones by the Ministry of National Defense continue to carry out their duties in the region with more than 40 thousand Mehmetçik, expert and technical personnel.
Following the earthquakes described as the "disaster of the century", the Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, who has been following the guard, patrol, search and rescue and life support activities of the Mehmetçi on site since the first day in Hatay, where he came with the Chief of General Staff, General Yaşar Güler, continues his investigations in the earthquake area.
In this context, Minister Akar, who examined the works in Antakya, came to Hatay immediately after the earthquake despite the harsh weather conditions and transportation conditions and received information about the work of the Natural Disaster Search and Rescue Battalion, which immediately started search and rescue operations. He took a close interest in the search-and-rescue dogs in the battalion, especially the “chards”.
Congratulating the personnel who rescued 24 people alive from the rubble after the earthquake for their heroism and self-sacrifice, Minister Akar said, “You showed great sacrifice and heroism. Despite all the difficulties, you ran to our people from the first moment. I kiss your foreheads and congratulate you.” said. Minister Akar stated that a great disaster was encountered and conveyed his wishes for mercy to those who lost their lives and healing to the injured.
Minister Akar said, “Mehmetçik has stood by his nation at the beginning of his duty with great heroism and self-sacrifice in the fight against earthquakes. Our pain is big. I believe that we will heal this wound together as a nation. Everyone, military and civilian, did and will do what was necessary, shoulder to shoulder.” he said.