After the Austrian soldiers had to interrupt their deployment in the Turkish earthquake zone on Saturday due to safety reasons, they were able to resume their work on Sunday. “The Turkish security forces are creating a safe environment for us,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Kugelweis. On Saturday, aides were still active on two missions, some of them into the night, from midday to support local aid groups.
“We are currently holding here for further requirements at base camp. We are still in action,” said Kugelweis. Since Tuesday, 82 soldiers of the so-called Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) have been in Turkey and have recovered nine buried people so far. The force specializes in saving the living. However, the chance of rescuing survivors six days after the severe earthquake in the crisis area in Turkey and Syria is very small.
“As soon as the call comes, we drive away”
“Unfortunately, saving a life is extremely unlikely at this time. Nevertheless, we make every effort when we are needed. We are ready: as soon as the call comes, we drive off,” said Kugelweis.
Riots and shots in disaster area
On Saturday morning, the Austrian aid workers – just like those from other countries such as Germany or Hungary – initially had to interrupt their work completely because the security situation was too dangerous. Riots broke out and shots were fired. The aggression between groups in Turkey would have increased more and more, the military reasoned on Saturday. There were reports of looting. “The expected success of saving a life bears no reasonable relationship to the safety risk,” Kugelweis said Saturday morning.
Departure scheduled for Thursday
The Austrian disaster response unit is stationed with other aid organizations in a base camp in the Turkish province of Hatay. According to Kugelweis, the supply of the Austrians on site in the crisis area is assured: “We are completely self-sufficient.” The troops brought enough food and drink to Turkey and can also generate their own electricity. It is intended that the military will be available in Turkey until Thursday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
