Australian disaster relief teams are preparing to leave for Turkey and Syria to assist in the wake of the deadly earthquakes.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday a team of 72 Australian personnel would be on the ground by the end of the week to help local authorities in rescue and recovery efforts.
“These urban search and rescue specialists are highly trained to locate, deliver medical assistance to and remove victims who have been trapped or impacted by a structural collapse,” he said.
“Our hearts are heavy. It is impossible to look away from the terrible and heartbreaking scenes of loss.”