TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Taiwan's search and rescue teams returned to Taiwan on Wednesday (Feb. 15) after a grueling five-day mission in Turkey.
Following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria last Monday, Taiwan dispatched 130 professionals and five rescue dogs to aid in the rescue efforts.
Speaking at the airport, the rescue team shared that this mission was one of the most challenging they had ever faced.
Despite the difficulties, the team successfully extracted three individuals from under collapsed buildings. Sadly, one of the individuals passed away later in the hospital.
Before departing from Istanbul Airport, the rescue team received an emotional send-off from airport staff and passengers.
The team left behind 4 tons of equipment to support the ongoing rescue efforts of the Turkish authorities.