Skopje, 8 February 2023 (MIA) — North Macedonia is sending more rescue crews and disaster relief to Turkey in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on Monday, the government said in a press release Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defense is sending another 36 special forces members, who will join the first 24, including two service dog handlers with two search-and-rescue dogs, as well as 10,000 blankets and 200 medical stretchers. 

The Protection and Rescue Directorate is sending another 32 emergency crew members and 10 emergency vehicles to help with search and rescue operations at the site of the earthquake in Turkey. Previously, it sent 40 people along with six transport vehicles and two firefighting vehicles.

The government said it was also sending six million denars from the budget and has tasked the Ministry of Health to urgently send medical personnel, equpment and medications. mr/