Muscat – Following the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman Charitable Organization, in cooperation with Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), operated relief flights to quake-hit areas of Syria on Friday and Turkey on Saturday. The death toll in the two countries has crossed the 25,000 mark.

The flights were operated by military transport aircraft of RAFO, carrying relief material and essential needs.

‘These relief flights will continue over the coming days, in solidarity with Syria and Turkey. This is being done through an air corridor established for the purpose,’ ONA stated.

On Wednesday, RAFO sent personnel from the National Sea-rch and Rescue Team of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) to help in search and rescue operations in Turkey.

Col Mubarak bin Salem al Araimi, Director General of Operations and Training at CDAA and general supervisor of the team, said the despatched personnel have set up a camp in the city of Hatay, in coordination with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey. “The team has carried out several search operations for survivors in different locations using advanced devices and equipment, in addition to providing medical care.”

He added that despite the challenges faced by the international rescue teams, including kilometres-long traffic jams and freezing cold, the team continues to provide assistance and humanitarian services to the affected.

Oman Charitable Organization, Dar al Atta’a and the Embassy of Turkey in Muscat have called for donations to send aid to those affected in the earthquake in Syria and Turkey.