One year ago today (Tuesday 6 February), a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey, devastating towns in southern and central regions of the country. In the days that followed, 77 members of the UK International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team, including 12 London firefighters, were deployed to Turkey to aid rescue efforts. Our firefighters were deployed as part of Urban Search and Rescue Heavy Rescue Team which included places in the Rescue, Logistics, and USAR Medical Team (UMT) and lead by retired Assistant Commissioner Dave O’Neill
Operating in the Hatay region of southern Turkey, UK firefighters helped search collapsed buildings, looking for people trapped in the rubble and carried out rescues where possible. For a week, crews worked with local and international partners to carry out operations before returning home on 15 February.
One year on from the earthquake, some of the team shared their thoughts and recollections of the deployment.
Reflecting on her first ISAR deployment, Leading Firefighter Sarah Mimnagh from Croydon Green Watch, said: “It’s incredibly hard to put down in words how things feel a year on. I think for me, looking back at pictures and watching some of the videos, the devastation we witnessed was enormous and, in a way, I’m continuing now to reflect on it.
“This was my first ISAR deployment, and amongst the pain and devastation we witnessed, I was incredibly proud to be a part of the team and work with some amazing USAR technicians from around the country. Every successful rescue we made was a testament to the team on the ground, at our operations base, and the incredible resilience and bravery of the people of Hatay.”
Sub Officer Dominic Mabbett recalled the generosity of those that had lost everything: "For individuals to lose several generations of their family, their homes and livelihoods and yet offer to share with us their remaining food and shelter are sentiments that will live with me forever. It shows the kindness and resilience of the Turkish people".
Station Officer James Screech, shared: "The people who lived in the Hatay province had lost everything. Whilst deployed there we rescued eight people who were heavily entombed under rubble and one of these rescues took 18 hours. We assisted other international teams with a further three rescues. I recall us taking a break and finding somewhere to rest. We were surrounded by a family’s belongings - their family photos and children's toys. How do you rebuild after such devastation? It puts a lot into perspective. Local people were so thankful that we were there, even when we couldn’t help.”
Group Commander Jim O’Neill, Borough Commander for Hackney, spoke of how he will all way remember the deployment: “Not a single day has passed since this event that I’ve not thought about it - the devastation that we faced and the work we undertook. No picture or report will ever be able to explain it. I’m so proud to have been part of the UK ISAR deployment representing the Brigade, I have memories as does every team member, that we continue to share. However, some I will keep with me forever. I hope the people of Turkey know we gave it our all. I hope we never see devastation on that scale again. However, as a team we will be ready if called upon.”
Assistant Commissioner David O’Neill MBE, who has since retired, oversaw the UK deployment in response to the earthquake: “One year on, our thoughts remain with all those affected by this catastrophic event, including those who went to the rescue. Whilst we felt privileged to have saved the lives that we did, we always wish we could have done more.”
The 12 firefighters that deployed to Turkey from London Fire Brigade were:
In 2023, London firefighters also took part in two further deployments following natural disasters. These were rescue operations following floods in Malawi and an earthquake in Morocco.