Taiwan’s National Fire Agency has indicated that it is ready to send humanitarian assistance teams to Turkey if needed. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey on Monday, causing the collapse of at least 100 buildings, while the number of casualties continues to rise. The National Fire Agency stated that the fire departments of Taipei City and Pingtung County are ready to send teams as soon as they are notified.
The quake’s epicenter was near the border between Turkey and Syria. Syria has also announced a large number of collapsed buildings and casualties.Much of the damage is in northern Syria which is largely controlled by anti-government forces. The National Fire Agency has not announced if they will send teams to Syria as well. There have been additional reports that shaking was felt in Cypress, Lebanon, and even as far as the Gaza Strip.