The EU has activated the Copernicus satellite system to provide emergency mapping services after the earthquake in Turkey.

APA reports that this was announced in a joint statement by the EU High Representative and the Commissioner for Crisis.

"The European Union has mobilized search and rescue teams for Turkey after activating the Civil Protection Mechanism.

10 search and rescue teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania were quickly mobilized.

Italy and Hungary also offered rescue teams to Turkey.

The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Center is in direct contact with Turkish officials to coordinate additional support if necessary.

The EU's Copernicus satellite system has also been launched to provide emergency mapping services, the joint statement said.

The EU also stated that it is ready to support the victims in Syria after the strong earthquake.

***

12:53 p.m

The rescue team of the European Union has left for Turkey from the Netherlands and Romania.

APA reports that Janez Lenarcic, EU crisis management commissioner, said this.

"After the earthquake in Turkey this morning, we activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Center is coordinating the dispatch of rescue teams from Europe. Rescue teams from the Netherlands and Romania are already on their way," he said.

Zumrud Pashkin

Destiny in the world