Minister Lipavský confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Ankara are in constant contact with Türkiye’s Fire and Rescue Service. Czechia sent 68 members of its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team to the disaster zone. They will provide services for at least 10 days;however, the Minister noted that they could end up being there for longer as the situation changes and the needs of Türkiye needs become more clear.

Minister Lipavský commented on the assistance of our embassy in Ankara. “With regards to Czech citizens, 76 Czechs that are currently in Turkey are registered in the DROZD registration system. Over the past few days, our diplomats have helped six Czechs who were on a business trip in the area. The embassy in Ankara got them to safety and they are on their way home.”

According to the Minister, Czechia is preparing other streams of aid as well. “The Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Medical Devices have pledged assistance of various supplies. We also know that additional supplies will be sent to Türkiye next week - such as generators, sleeping bags and other essential items for people without shelter.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also allocated an additional 10 million crowns for the needs of the affected areas in Syria. This aid will mainly go to non-governmental organizations such as People in Need or the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which operate in the area.