After the successive earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, which had severe impacts in ten provinces, Atatürk University swiftly coordinated and initiated a relief effort for the earthquake zone.

Our country, which experienced one of the largest natural disasters in the world after the earthquake that occurred on Monday, February 6 at 4:17 a.m., mobilised all of its units, conducted search and rescue operations with great care, and took every precaution to minimise the number of citizens who perished in the vast disaster zone.

Since day one, Atatürk University has been fighting to overcome the effects of this catastrophic event. In this context, a professional team was organised immediately to participate in search and rescue and health studies, with the university administration determining the earthquake-related crisis management plan at a conference.

A 100-Man Team in the Earthquake Zone

A team of 100 people comprised of 15 doctors, 29 health personnel, 2 earthquake specialists, 3 emergency aid and disaster management specialists, 2 occupational health and safety specialists, 3 construction machine operators, 46 technical personnel from various units of the university and search and rescue team, as well as health, clothing, set out with a four-vehicle convoy containing food and search and rescue supplies and arrived in Malatya.

The health team's physicians and nurses began working at various hospitals. The technical crew took part in search and rescue operations in the centre of Malatya. Two chefs continue to feed earthquake victims in the kitchen of the tent that has been erected. After the initial team was dispatched, AFAD received a request for volunteers with expertise in search and rescue operations.

A Quake Report Will Be Presented to the Public

In addition, academic personnel from the Department of Civil Engineering and the Earthquake Research and Application Center were assigned and dispatched to the region to examine and identify potential concerns. The public will have access to the report that the team will generate as a consequence of crime scene investigations and analyses.

Since the very first day, a steady flow of aid and supplies has been sent to the area.

On the other side, an assistance campaign was initiated, with the notification made to all members, within the limits of the list of requirements specified by AFAD. The next day, it was driven to Malatya by a variety of different vehicles. The effort to provide relief in-kind is still ongoing, and shipments to the region are still being made in compliance with the requirements lists that have been updated by AFAD.

Account Numbers for Donations Shared with Staff

The personnel were informed of the AFAD Earthquake Donation Account numbers by means of announcements for university members who wish to offer both cash and in-kind relief. The Atatürk University Aid and Solidarity Fund gave financial assistance to the AFAD earthquake contribution account.

75 000 500 breads were baked and shipped from the university bread factory.

The Atatürk University Food and Livestock Application and Research Center pilot bread factory has manufactured 75,500 loaves for both Atatürk University and the Kızılay and Erzurum Commodity Exchange, and the Kızılay has sent them to the earthquake zone.

Students live in the earthquake zone were contacted.

A communication line was also created for university students impacted by the earthquake. Contact was made with 6,500 students who are expected to be in the earthquake zone, and their phone numbers and e-mail addresses were provided if necessary. In addition, the appropriate units launched research on giving psychological care to earthquake victims who are students and employees.

Hospital Equipped to Treat Earthquake Victims

Atatürk University hospital has taken the necessary preparations by providing intensive care and services for injured patients who may arrive from the earthquake zone. Members of the university were told about blood donation and given instructions on where to donate.

Rector Çomaklı: "At Atatürk University, we support our cherished country."

Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, rector of Atatürk University, assessed the catastrophe as follows: "The State of the Republic of Turkey is powerful, and the beloved Turkish people are unselfish and helpful. We are confident that, as a country and a people, we will emerge from these calamitous times together and united in spirit. We continue to support our nation by sending teams and assistance supplies to the region and by housing earthquake victims at university guesthouses. On this occasion, we pray that such a tragedy and suffering will never occur again, and we wish God's mercy on our people who perished in the earthquake, our sympathies and patience to their surviving family members, and a swift recovery to our injured residents. As Atatürk University, I would want to reaffirm that we stand behind our cherished homeland and are prepared to mobilise all of our resources for any type of assistance."