SZ rescuers carry disaster relief materials to Türkiye

The first 17-member team of the Shenzhen Rescue Volunteers Federation left Shenzhen on Thursday, carrying more than 600 kilograms of materials for rescue work in quake-hit regions in Türkiye.

The team departed from Hong Kong airport in two separate flights.

Members of a rescue team from Shenzhen carry materials for rescue work in quake-hit regions in Türkiye on Thursday. Sun Yuchen

At a meeting before the departure, Shi Xin, head of the federation, hoped the team will develop a collaborative spirit within and with other rescues teams from China and other countries, and maintain safety awareness and professionalism in their rescue work.

The advance team of six members, who left Wednesday, arrived in Istanbul at around 11:10 a.m. (Beijing time) on Thursday.

“Before getting off the plane, the crew of Turkish Airlines gave us some food, water and blankets to express their thanks,” Zhong Li, a member of the advance team, said in a message.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has opened a special passage for air transportation of disaster relief materials to Türkiye that suffered from many casualties and major property losses.

Cargo flights carrying materials to Türkiye will be exempted half of the landing charges and parking fees until Feb. 28, airport officials said.

People can call the hotline 0755-2345-6789 for inquiries on how to donate materials.