The Dutch search and rescue team USAR will search the hard-hit Hatay in Turkey one last time on Sunday for survivors of the earthquakes. National commander Arjen Littooij of USAR reported this on Twitter on Saturday.
“Six days after the earthquake we enter a different phase. The chance of survival is very small,” writes Littooij. “That means other help is needed.”
According to Littooij, the work of the Dutch search and rescue team is over “after very intensive days”. Their work will be transferred to other teams.
Atmosphere gets grittier
Austria and Germany announced earlier in the day that they would suspend their rescue operations due to the increased insecurity in the area.
Five days after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, the atmosphere in the affected area is getting darker. For example, confrontations between armed looters and the police are reported, in which shots were also fired.
Jop Heinen of the Dutch team announced on Saturday afternoon that at that time there was no reason to stop the search and rescue earlier. He did indicate that the situation is being monitored and that the safety of the team is paramount.
Dozens arrested for looting
According to Turkish media, 42 people have been arrested for looting in the southern province of Hatay. Six others were arrested for allegedly swindling a victim of the earthquakes.
“We have declared a state of emergency,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a visit to the disaster area. “That means that people involved in looting or kidnapping from now on should know that the state will deal with them firmly.”
A decree was also issued on Saturday, extending the powers of prosecutors. People who have been arrested for looting in Turkey can therefore remain in pre-trial detention for a week. Previously, looters could be detained for a maximum of four days.
