February 7, 2023
No. 033
On the evening of February 6, Taiwan’s international search and rescue team dispatched a 40-member advance mission and three search and rescue dogs to Türkiye to conduct humanitarian relief operations. Following discussions with the Turkish government, it was decided to send an additional 90 members and more than six tons of rescue equipment, including life detectors and two search and rescue dogs on February 7. The second team departed for Türkiye on an EVA Airways charter flight to travel as quickly as possible to assist with search and rescue operations in affected areas during the critical early phase to save lives.
Republic of China (Taiwan) Premier Chen Chien-jen accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in the evening to give encouragement to search and rescue team members. The premier presented an R.O.C. (Taiwan) flag to the 90-member mission and spoke to them before their flight. He said that after the earthquake, the R.O.C. (Taiwan) government had promptly announced a relief donation and sent an advance search and rescue team to Türkiye. He noted that President Tsai Ing-wen had decided to increase the donation to US$2 million to convey Taiwan’s compassion after learning of the continuous aftershocks and the difficulties faced by people in affected areas. The premier expressed hope that the international search and rescue team setting out today would save more lives and reminded team members to be mindful of their safety so as to return home safely after completing their mission. He concluded by leading the team in shouting words of encouragement to Türkiye and Taiwan and taking a group photo.
The R.O.C. (Taiwan) was among the first countries to announce a donation and dispatch a rescue mission to Türkiye. With tonight’s departure of 90 members on a charter flight, Taiwan’s entire 130-member international search and rescue team has now left for Türkiye. (E)