Swiss Disasaster Relief Unit ends rescue mission

The Swiss Disaster Relief Unit has ended its rescue work in Turkey, saying it sees no hope of finding any more survivors after last week’s earthquake.

The Unit, which managed to find a 48-year-old woman alive with one of its dogs on Sunday, is expected to return to Switzerland on Wednesday afternoon.

The Unit sent 92 helpers and 15 rescue dogs to 16 areas which had been affected by the earthquake. It was its fourth mission this year.

It also took part in rescue operations in Turkey in August, and travelled to missions in Greece and Taiwan in September.

The Catholic charity Caritas said Monday it would extend its existing programmes in Turkey to the victims of the latest earthquake. In co-operation with local partner organisations, it will supply special tents for the Winter and gas ovens to people in the province of Bolu, which was badly affected.

In the region of Adapazari, another badly-damaged area, Caritas has already erected 700 tens to house some 26,000 people.

Since August, the Swiss Red Cross has also been operating in the earthquake area, helping the Turkish Red Crescent Society with supplies of tents and blankets for the victims of Friday’s quake.