A Comprehensive Report of INSARAG’s Largest International Search and Rescue Operation
The earthquake that struck on February 6, 2023, in the southeastern region of Türkiye and northwest of Syria was the most devastating since the earthquake in Haiti 2010. Over 59’000 individuals lost their lives and 1.5 million people were left homeless. The immediate call for international assistance by the Government of Türkiye triggered the largest Urban Search and Rescue response since INSARAG’s foundation more than 30 years ago. 199 international teams from over 90 countries, 49 of which were INSARAG classified teams of which many arrived within 24 hours of the call for international assistance, worked tirelessly alongside local and national responders. INSARAG’s UCC coordinated the activities of 118 of these teams.
Leadership and coordination from Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and rapid activation of OCHA’s tools and services to support and strengthen the coordination with our partners were instrumental in orchestrating this endeavor. INSARAG’s longstanding partnership with AFAD enabled the efficiency of the international response in Türkiye, serving as a pivotal lesson for the future direction of INSARAG, emphasizing that partnerships and collaboration are paramount to the success of a life-saving operation.
This AAR highlights key recommendations on the areas of:
- capacity building and localization;
- quality standards and compliance;
- INSARAG system and guidelines;
- information management; and
- urban search and rescue (USAR) operations.
