A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6. Taiwan's government and citizens alike were quick to provide disaster relief.
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Taiwan's search and rescue team received five minutes of applause at the Istanbul airport prior to boarding their flight back home. The rescue team withdrew from the disaster zone on Sunday after completing their assigned missions and returned home Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier last week, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria. In response, Taiwan's government sent in rescue teams in an effort to help with disaster relief.
Taiwan dispatched the teams in two waves. A total of 130 members were sent to provide support. These members came from the Taipei City Fire Department and the National Fire Agency. Taiwan also sent in five rescue dogs, emergency relief supplies, and equipment. In addition, Taiwan's government announced it will provide US$2 million in financial aid to Turkey.
Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) explains Taiwan is sending help to Turkey because it was one of the first countries to help Taiwan during the 9/21 earthquake in 1999. Footage shows victims of that tremor thanking the Turkish rescue team.
While the rescue teams provided support abroad, Taiwanese citizens were gathering supplies and providing financial support to Turkey. Numerous donations were given by Taiwanese citizens to help victims of the disaster. The supplies included tents, winter clothing and other necessities.
Many citizens also chose to donate money through self-service machines. One woman who donated says she did so because Turkey and Taiwan have both been victims of earthquakes.
Rebuilding after major disasters is often a long-term project, but Taiwan is hoping their collective support will provide some relief to those affected by the disaster.