LONDON: Four Australians are missing in Turkiye and Syria following Monday’s deadly earthquakes, The Guardian reported.
The country’s Foreign Ministry said it was providing support to families of the missing nationals as well as about 40 other Australians who are in the quake zone.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the Australian Senate on Wednesday: “We’ve all seen the scenes of devastation, and the stories of human tragedy that we are witnessing.
“So, if we are able to assist, notwithstanding we are a long way away, I’m sure all of us would want the government to support our personnel to engage in such assistance.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was sending 73 defense personnel by the end of the week as well as $10 million in funding to aid in rescue and relief efforts.
“These urban search and rescue specialists are highly trained to locate, deliver medical assistance to and remove victims who have been trapped or impacted by a structural collapse.
“I extend my deepest condolences to all those affected by the devastating earthquakes and aftershocks in Turkiye, Syria, and neighboring countries.
“Our hearts are heavy. It is impossible to look away from the terrible and heart-breaking scenes of loss,” Albanese added.
Brisbane Turkish Islamic Society board member, Sadullah Karatas, said that Australians with ties to Turkiye and Syria were facing a “difficult time” watching the disaster unfold from across the world.
“Everyone’s having a really difficult time, and nobody really knows how to process it. These are essentially our brothers and sisters who are left under this rubble and because we’re not there we almost feel desperate.
“We wish we could just go and physically take the rubble out ourselves,” he added.
The society has launched a donation fund to send medicine, food, and blankets to affected areas.
