Algeria sends its first group of Civil Protection to Turkey, following the disastrous earthquake that hit the country’s southeastern region on Monday.

Directives were at the instruction of the Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and National Planning, Brahim Merad.

The first group of Civil Protection sent out comprised 89 personnel to participate in the rescue and relief operations.

According to the Minister of Interior, Merad recalled “the traditions of the Algerian state in terms of international solidarity to address natural disasters”, emphasizing the particular interest of the president of Algeria in this operation that he follows closely”.

Merad pointed out the “functionality and rapid response” of the Directorate General of Civil Protection, commending “the competence and professionalism of its staff”.

He further disclosed that another group of civil protection personnel would be sent out to Syria to participate in rescue and relief operations following the same mishap in Algeria.

Also, the Minister also chaired the operation to send a second team of first-aid workers and 210 tonnes of urgent humanitarian aid to Syria and Turkey.

Algeria also sent a first rescue team consisting of the search and rescue team, the EDD team, a specialized medical team, and a logistics team carrying 17 tonnes of equipment.