Serbian Interior Ministry (MUP) specialist search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the areas of Turkey hit by a devastating earthquake to help save lives and search for survivors trapped under the rubble. The teams were seen off from the Belgrade airport with applause.

On the orders of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian Internal Affairs Minister Bratislav Gasic sent to Turkey two fully equipped specialist rescue teams comprising 27 members and a rubble search dog.

“With modern equipment weighing 4.5 tons, Serbian firefighters – rescuers, trained and ready to react in all situations, will give their utmost to help their Turkish colleagues and citizens in the search for and rescue of survivors,” said the Ministry.

Turkey, and its neighboring Syria, were struck Monday by a powerful earthquake that was followed by a series of secondary quakes in which, according to the latest reports, several thousand people lost their lives.

Serbian Ambassador to Ankara Zoran Markovic told N1 that the Embassy was not contacted Monday by any Serbian nationals seeking help or inquiring about relatives.