The Vietnamese rescue team at the search site on Adiyaman's Yeni Sanayi Street. — Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Security

According to reports, the team were working at a new site, No 2801 Yeni Sanayi Street, which was considered at high risk of secondary collapses.

Specialised search cameras, cutting equipment and radar detectors were used, while local teams with excavators shielded the rescuers during the mission.

Arrival in Hatay

The search and rescue team from the Việt Nam People’s Army (VPA) arrived at Antakya City in the southern Hatay Province on Monday night (local time).

The Vietnamese rescue team arrive in the southern Turkish province of Hatay on Monday night (local time). — VNA/VNS Photo

Major General Phạm Văn Tỵ, the commander-in-chief of the VPA forces in humanitarian and relief operations in Turkey, reported that despite the long distance and travelling time, all 76 servicemen and six detection dogs are in good health and ready to start their mission.

The Vietnamese rescue team has been in contact with the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority to understand the needs of the local authorities.

The disaster relief team will be stationed at a stadium in Antakya and will be immediately deployed for missions at night.

The VPA rescue team include 76 servicemen, of which there are 30 members of the General Department of Logistics’ military medical team, 30 from the collapse rescue team of the Army Corps of Engineers, nine from the Border Guard and seven people in the command team, along with six detection dogs. — VNS