A Vietnamese rescuer and a sniffer dog are searching for earthquake victims in Hatay province of Turkey. — VNA/VNS Photo Hai Linh

HATAY — The search and rescue force from the Việt Nam People’s Army (VPA) on February 17 located another two victims buried by the recent earthquake in Hatay Province of Turkey.

The force then handed over the location to the local rescue force.

As of February 17 evening, the VPA search and rescue force had located 12 positions of victims of the disaster, including two with signs of survivors.

On February 18, Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang sent a letter to the force, praising their efforts and strong performance in search and rescue activities in Turkey.

The officers' activities had shown the responsibility, capacity and reputation of the VPA in dealing with non-traditional issues, which have been praised by the international community, the Government and people of the host country.

"The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence commend, recognise and highly value your working results, spirit, high sense of responsibility and efforts," wrote the letter.

The minister also underlined the force's heavy tasks ahead, expressing hope that the officers would work even harder as Turkish people are in need of them.

"The nation is always proud of you and accompanies you," he emphasised.

According to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, more than 6,400 buildings in the country collapsed after the two earthquakes and more than 430 aftershocks. Some 8,300 international personnel have joined search and rescue operations in the country.

The 76-strong rescue teams of the VPA, along with 35 tonnes of cargo, departed for Turkey on February 12 to assist the country in recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake.

The Vietnamese Government has sent two search and rescue teams to the earthquake sites.

Vietnam Red Cross Society calls for support to earthquake victims

The Việt Nam Red Cross Society (VRC) meanwhile has called for joint efforts in support of the people hit by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6.

The VRC’s campaign responds to the appeal by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, targeting people from all social strata.

As of February 17, the natural disaster killed more than 45,000, with the number of the injured expected to rise in the time ahead, making it one of the strongest earthquakes in nearly a century.

The donations should be sent to the VRC’s headquarters at 82 Nguyễn Du, Hà Nội. Phone: 024.38263703; 024.38224030. Fax: 024.39424285. Mobile number: 0912.544.050. Email: thuy.lth@vnredcross.org.vn.

Its representative office in the southern region is also available for the donations, at 201 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, District 1, HCM City. Phone: 0283.8391271; Fax: 0283 8322298. Mobile number: 0913.847.027. Email: ctdpn@yahoo.com.

Apart from bank accounts, the association has opened an app named “Thiện Nguyện” (Charity) to serve the campaign, which will operate until May 30. — VNA/VNS