Vietnam dispatched 76 soldiers to Turkey on Sunday night to help with rescue efforts following the devastating earthquakes that have killed over 33,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Tan Cuong applauded the spirit of proactively overcoming difficulties and resolving to fulfill missions of relevant agencies.

He also hailed the 76 soldiers for getting ready to travel to Turkey for the earthquake relief.

Cuong said victims of the earthquakes in Turkey are waiting for rescuers of their country, other countries, and international organizations to save them from the rubble, including soldiers from Vietnam.

“The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense expect you to excellently fulfill your mission,” Cuong added.

Major General Pham Van Ty, commander-in-chief of the Vietnamese military force participating in the rescue work in Turkey, said besides the 76 soldiers, six working dogs and 35 metric tons of equipment and supplies, which are enough for a month, were sent to Turkey as well.

In particular, there are 10 metric tons of dry provisions, 13.5 tons of food and foodstuffs, 2.2 tons of medical equipment and medicines, and three metric tons of other supplies, among others. 

After reaching Turkey, the delegation will discuss the work with rescue forces there, survey the scene, and work out plans to seek victims trapped under the rubble.

“We may reach the scene on Monday night and will immediately roll up our sleeves to conduct the rescue work,” Ty added.

Earlier, 24 officials from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security were detached to Turkey to aid in relief efforts.

Thus, a total of 100 Vietnamese officers and soldiers have been sent to Turkey.

With chances of finding survivors growing more remote, the toll in both countries from last Monday's earthquake and major aftershocks rose above 33,000 and looks set to keep growing. It was the deadliest quake in Turkey since 1939, Reuters reported.

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