Yichang rescuers busy saving lives in Turkey

By Shen Yuan, Yichang International Communication Studio

Two Yichang rescuers arrived in Malatya, Turkey together with China’s Blue Sky Rescue Team at around 6 pm local time on February 10. They have been busy carrying out rescue work ever since.


 After the recent tragedy that occurred in Turkey, several Chinese rescue forces quickly arrived at the earthquake zone upon request of the Turkish government.

 Han Yongqiang and Yang Hongyan are members of the Yichang Blue Sky Rescue Team. Both have been assigned to undertake the most difficult tasks of their teams.

 At 8:19 am Beijing time on February 12, Han said in an interview with a reporter: "It is just past 3 in the morning in Turkey. I just had some rest. We will start working immediately again," said Han, who was at Malatya. "It's a few degrees below zero, so cold!"

 

At 10:18 am local time on that day, Han's team entered an earthquake site to search. They promptly made a plan and started at 10:35 am.
 

About 3 hours later, Yang's team entered the same area to search for survivors. Han and Yang were in the same search area, but divided into different zones.


 Han said: "According to clear information, there are a number of survivors at the site. Today we will work with the Turkish Rescue Team and the Palestinian National Team together for our first three-party joint rescue operation. We could have another 24-hour non-stop fight. Let’s get to work!"

Photos by Han Yongqiang and Yichang Blue Sky Rescue Team