Finland sends expert assistance to Türkiye 

Finland is rapidly sending a team of experts to Türkiye to assist in rescue efforts following a major earthquake. The experts will be deployed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

A major earthquake took place early on Monday morning in south-eastern Türkiye and in Syria. The earthquake was measured at magnitude 7.4–7.8. The earthquake has caused immense damage. Both countries have reported collapsed buildings and large numbers of fatalities and injuries. The clearing of wreckage is underway, and it is feared that the number of victims will rise.

Türkiye has requested international assistance and experts to assist in the search for people. Finland and many other countries have pledged to send support to the region. Türkiye requested expert assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.  Finland is sending experts to Türkiye to assist in rescue work and support tasks. 

“The situation in the area hit by the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria is very serious. I would like to express my deepest condolences to all the victims of the earthquake and their families and friends. It is vital that expert assistance reaches the destination as quickly as possible to help in rescue efforts. We are also preparing other forms of assistance, because the destruction and need for assistance are considerable. We are working closely with other EU countries in providing assistance,” says Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen. 

In addition to expert assistance, Finland is also looking into the possibility of sending other forms of assistance, such as any material assistance, to the affected area in Türkiye and Syria.

Assistance provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

Any country can request assistance via the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism if it faces a crisis that it cannot handle alone. These crises can be natural or human-induced disasters, such as major accidents, technological, chemical and environmental accidents or terrorist acts. Requests for assistance are coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), operating under the European Commission.

Assistance provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is based on the national resources of the EU Member States. The assistance may take the form of specialised rescue teams or expert and material assistance. The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance in the field of rescue services. Finland has actively provided expert assistance across the world in the event of earthquakes.

Inquiries:
Pekka Tiainen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 50 456 4477, pekka.tiainen@gov.fi (international civil protection missions)
Pauliina Eskola, Director of International Affairs, Department for Rescue Services, tel. +358 295 488 263, pauliina.eskola@gov.fi 
Mikko Jalo, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Interior, tel. +358 50 304 8522, mikko.jalo@gov.fi