The first group of Blue Sky Rescue members assembles to depart for Turkey on Feb 8. [Photo/Shanxi Evening News]

The Blue Sky Rescue Emergency Coordination Center in North China's Shanxi province selected seven team members with extensive experience to join China's official rescue team in earthquake-hit Turkey on Feb 8, with the consent of relevant State departments and the Consulate General of Turkey in China. 

Several 7.8-magnitude earthquakes occurred in Turkey on Feb 6 local time, causing a large number of casualties and flattening buildings. The Turkish government launched a four-level emergency plan and opened an international aid channel. 

Seven rescue team members from the cities of Linfen, Lyuliang, Yuncheng, Jinzhong, and Taiyuan in Shanxi will be on the front line of rescue efforts for 15 days as members of the first wave of the Blue Sky Rescue, a nonprofit Chinese search and rescue organization, to assist Turkey. 

"After seeing the earthquakes in Turkey on the news, as a rescuer, I was deeply affected by the damage caused and immediately signed up to help," said 37-year-old Ma Biao upon departure on Feb 8, one of the seven from Shanxi who has significant experience in earthquake, mountain, and cave rescue. 

Upon arriving in Istanbul, the Blue Sky Rescue team will go to specific rescue sites assigned by the United Nations. The members of the first group brought their own rescue tools and professional equipment such as satellite phones, life detectors, and professional demolition devices, and prepared rescue materials such as tents, quilts, instant noodles, and compressed biscuits. 

Shanxi will call the second group of heavy equipment rescue teams according to the on-site rescue situation.