Zim rescue team returns from Turkiye

Zimbabweans who were in Turkiye to aid rescue efforts following the two earthquakes have returned to the country.

“We returned this weekend with a heavy heart having made great friends in Turkiye,” team leader MedTech Holdings CEO Mr Afzal Motiwala told journalists at a media briefing organised by the Turkish Embassy this morning.

He said the team that included his son Zain and others was based in Kahramanmaras Province where they set up a food kitchen in Islahia to feed 10 000 people every day.

They also assisted with tents and heating against the winter harshness.

 “We continue to create awareness of the earthquake locally and hope to assist even further with volunteers from Zimbabwe,” he said.

 Zimbabweans we stood strong with our brothers in Turkiye in their time of need,” said Motiwala.

Hope for more survivors to be found has declined to almost zero after the double earthquakes killed over 46 000 in Turkiye and Syria.

Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Berna Kasnakli Versteden thanked Zimbabweans for their support and prayers in the wake of the earthquakes and saluted the team that flew out to Turkiye to offer support from the ground.