Just hours after the earthquake, AFAD Canine Search and Rescue Team was the first to arrive in the region. Assigned by AFAD to Cebrail Neighborhood in Hatay, the team rescued one person from the rubble hours after the earthquake.
Intensifying its efforts over the following hours and days, ASAM Canine Search and Rescue Team was able to rescue 30 people from under the rubble as a result of their outstanding efforts.
The team listened intently to the rubble and played a crucial role thanks to the search and rescue dogs. Thermal cameras can be misleading since a person continues to emit heat for some time even after losing their life. However, dogs have sensitive noses, enabling them to detect whether someone is actually alive.
Every second counts in a race against time. ASAM first directed its dogs to the wreckage to search for signs of life. If there was even the slightest hope, they entered into the rubble, debris, and metal without hesitation and pulled 30 people back to life.
In recognition of their successful search and rescue efforts, ASAM was honored with the ‘State Medal and Order of Supreme Sacrifice’ by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.
Three years after the earthquake, ASAM continues its efforts in Hatay across many areas.
Continuing to work in numerous fields, from computer-assisted mobile learning classrooms to mobile vehicles offering primary healthcare services, and from psychosocial support to grant support that will revitalize the local economy, ASAM has been empowering lives and nurturing hope for over 30 years!
ASAM Corporate Communications Unit has turned the search and rescue efforts into a documentary to ensure they are not forgotten. If you haven’t watched the documentary Halaskar yet, click here to watch …