German Groups Suspend Turkey Quake Rescue over Security

On Saturday, two German charity organisations halted their rescue efforts in earthquake-stricken Turkey due to security concerns and allegations of shootings and fights between groups of people.

As soon as the Turkish civil protection agency AFAD deems the situation safe, the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and the German International Search and Rescue (ISAR) indicated they will continue working.

The security situation, according to ISAR Operations Manager Steven Bayer, was somewhat worsening as the days since the accident went on, as is normal in such circumstances.

Speaking at a camp for rescue workers in the town of Kirikhan, he said: "That's partly because food is now running out, water supply is running out, and then people are out hunting for food and water.

"A second issue is that people's once-vibrant hope is now dwindling, and that hope might then transform into fury."

Earlier, Bayer informed Reuters that the company will continue to stay at the combined camp with

In an email to Reuters, ISAR stated that there had been "growing reports of conflicts between various factions, and bullets are alleged to have been fired."

However, President Tayyip Erdogan spoke on Saturday about the general security situation, stressing that a state of emergency had been proclaimed and that there had been some looting. Turkish police have not recorded any conflicts in the earthquake-affected region.

During a visit to the area, he said, "It indicates that going forward, those who are engaged in looting or kidnapping should know that the state's firm hand is on their backs."

Regarding the THW for the time being, but they added that they would be prepared to assist right away if there were any survivors.