A Greater Manchester firefighter who has flown out to Turkey to help in efforts to help after the devastating earthquake has overseen an incredible rescue.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck on Monday, has killed more than 20,000 people in Turkey and Syria, with the Turkish government reporting more than 60,000 injured.
Ramsbottom and Heywood fire stations manager Martin Foran, watch manager Mike Hurst, of Leigh Fire Station, firefighter Steve Pennington, also of Leigh Fire Station, and firefighter Dave Hedgecock of Ashton Fire Station have travelled to Turkey to use their specialist skills to support the huge rescue operation.
A video that has been taken has captured the moment one of the crew members finds a survivor.
Reunited 🙏🏼⁰⁰We're immensely proud to be making a difference in Türkiye on behalf of @FCDOGovUK ⁰⁰Amid so much grief and destruction, one of our rescue teams today made this reunion possible. pic.twitter.com/NeQAjQ3R9b
— UK ISAR (@UK_ISAR_TEAM) February 9, 2023
Sharing the video on Twitter, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spokesperson said: "At the start of this video our very own Steve Pennington is on the left hand side (with the yellow stripes).
"What an amazing moment to capture this incredible rescue.
"We're so proud of what our staff are doing in Turkey to help others."
The fire service has also explained the roles the crew members are playing in Turkey.
A GMFRS spokesperson said: “Earlier this week four of our firefighters headed out to Turkey as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team.
“They are bringing their specialist skills to the search and rescue efforts taking place after the devastating earthquake.
“They've sent us an update on what they've been doing in the city of Hatay.
"Station manager Martin Foran of Ramsbottom and Heywood stations is performing the role of ops commander and is responsible for two crews consisting of 13 personnel each.
“Watch manager Mike Hirst of Leigh Technical Rescue Unit is the deputy crew leader for one of these crews.
“Firefighter Steve Pennington of Leigh TRU is the heavy lift specialist within that crew and Firefighter Dave Hedgecock of Ashton Technical Rescue Unit is a search and rescue technician along with the others.
“You can see from the pictures the incredibly difficult conditions they are facing.”
Disasters and Emergencies Committee (DEC), is co-ordinating a joint fundraising appeal by 14 British humanitarian charities, after the earthquakes on Monday.
The government is matching all donations made by the public to the DEC appeal to a total value of £5m.
The DEC said it expects humanitarian needs to grow in the coming days, with access to shelter, clean water and warmth all potential issues.
For more details on how to donate visit www.dec.org.uk.
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