Turkish Armed Force completes ‘Humanitarian Aid Exercise-2024’ observer day

The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) wrapped up the observation day for their “Humanitarian Aid Exercise-2024.” This exercise aimed to improve coordination between the TAF and public institutions during search and rescue operations in disaster and emergency situations.

The exercise, held at the Humanitarian Aid Brigade Command in Sincan under the responsibility of the TAF Humanitarian Aid Brigade Natural Disaster Search and Rescue (DSR) Battalion, included participation from Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, National Medical Rescue Organization (UMKE), the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, and Sincan Municipality teams.

The scenario included simulating a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Istanbul, which led to the collapse of numerous homes and businesses and resulted in many casualties.

A TAF Cougar helicopter conducted a reconnaissance flight over the disaster-stricken area after an emergency announcement on TRT’s radio broadcasts.

After the reconnaissance flight, the DSR team quickly descended into the disaster area via a Sikorsky helicopter. Upon arrival, the DSR team set up security perimeters to keep the relatives of those trapped under the debris away from the scene. The DSR team used search and rescue dogs, including ones airlifted by helicopter, to locate victims under the rubble. After detecting survivors, operations began at identified points using listening devices. The fire department responded to a fire that broke out in the debris area.

The UMKE team then extracted earthquake victims identified at specific points and transported them to hospitals. During the exercise, the cadaver search and rescue dogs found the deceased, after which funeral transport vehicles evacuated them.

Military attaches from Bulgaria and the Maldives observed the exercise.

‘Search and rescue personnel increased to 10,426’

Following the exercise, Humanitarian Aid Brigade Commander Infantry Colonel Hikmet Erdogdu told the press that the command is the first TAF unit to arrive in the area following a natural disaster.

Erdogdu emphasized the efforts made in the disaster area with all units during the Feb. 6 earthquakes, saying, “In light of the lessons learned from the massive catastrophe, we reviewed the measures taken for disaster and emergencies in coordination with our ministry and all state institutions. We identified additional measures to be taken and initiated our efforts in this direction.”

Colonel Erdogdu mentioned that, as part of AFAD’s “100,000 Target in Search and Rescue” project, they had established two more DSR battalions, increasing the total to three, and continued:

“DSR units have formed 11 heavy-level search and rescue teams, each consisting of 80 personnel and capable of operating internationally. Our engineering units have formed 12 medium-level search and rescue teams, each with 38 personnel. Additionally, other units have formed 505 earthquake search and rescue teams, each consisting of 18 personnel. Thus, our search and rescue personnel count has increased to 10,426. For use in disaster situations, we have established 45 security and assistance battalions, each with 366 personnel. AFAD provided urban search and rescue instructor training to 68 personnel from our brigade, and AFAD constructed 10 search and rescue training fields for our units.”

Erdogdu reported that 6,000 personnel have already undergone training specific to mining techniques.

Erdogdu announced the initiation of the Mehmetcik Disaster Support Base Project and noted that it would be appropriate to deliver aid in a unified manner during earthquakes. He announced the establishment of a sample Mehmetcik Disaster Support Base in Tekirdag, which houses all living units.