Turkey sends medical rescue team to Ecuador

The 25-strong rescue team from the Health Ministry will be coordinated by Turkey's Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Akdogan told Anadolu Agency.

“They are joined by a separate team of four health professionals from AFAD,” he added. “Both teams will help provide 1.5 tonnes of medical aid.”

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake claimed 587 lives on Saturday and Ecuador has been hit by other strong tremors since.

Akdogan said Turkey was responding to a request from the Ecuadorian government for medical aid including drinking water, hygiene kits and mobile hospitals.

“There is also a need for emergency shelters, blankets and mosquito nets,” he said. “They accept monetary aid too.”