Listen to the news

A strong earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale - one of the region's strongest in more than 100 years - struck Turkey's Gaziantep region and neighboring Syria overnight.

In an immediate response, the European Union mobilized rescue teams in Turkey in response to its request under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the press center of the EC Representation in Bulgaria announced.

All about the topic:

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria 28

From Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania, urban search and rescue teams were quickly mobilized to support the first responders on the ground.

Italy and Hungary also offered their rescue teams to Turkey.

The Emergency Response Coordination Center is in direct contact with the authorities in Turkey to coordinate further support if needed. 

Stoyanov: Bulgaria will also provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake

The EU's Copernicus satellite system was also activated, providing satellite maps produced by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service.

The EU is also ready to support those affected in Syria through its humanitarian aid programmes. 

Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and with the first responders working to save lives.

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria

European Union