SMART members are preparing for an earthquake SAR mission in Turkiye - Photo courtesy of NADMA

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia sent 75 members of the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) to assist in search and rescue (SAR) efforts for earthquake victims in southern Türkiye

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said the team was sent after getting approval from the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"I would like to inform you that Malaysia will send a SMART team to assist the SAR efforts of earthquake victims in southern Turkey.

"The process of sending the SMART team was made after getting approval from the Prime Minister, and receiving confirmation of the need for assistance from the Turkish Government," he said through a media statement, today.

Armizan said, the team will depart for Turkiye on a Turkish Airlines flight and they will also bring with them the equipment to be used in the SAR operation.

He said the SMART team received the recognition of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) in 2016, allowing it to be sent to participate in disaster missions abroad.

Firefighters carry the bodies of earthquake victims in Diyarbakir, southern Turkiye - AGENCY

Rescue workers search for survivors under the rubble in Diyarbakir, southern Turkiye. - AGENCY

International media reported an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 shook southern Turkiye today, with the latest death toll exceeding 500 people including in neighboring Syria.

The Turkiye Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) informed that the earthquake occurred at 4.17 am (local time) and was centered in the Pazarcik district.

The tremor caused the destruction of dozens of buildings and was also felt in other regions including Diyarbakir and Gaziantep as well as neighboring countries including Lebanon and Syria.