AFAD strengthens disaster response through accreditation programs

AFAD President Ali Hamza Pehlivan announced significant progress in Turkey’s disaster management and accreditation efforts during an event in Konya. The agency is focusing on a risk-oriented approach that integrates preparation, risk reduction, response, and recovery.

To date, AFAD has accredited 636 teams across eight specialized categories, including urban search and rescue, nutrition, shelter, and water search and rescue. A total of 21,000 personnel have completed the required training and received certifications. Currently, another 258 teams and approximately 7,500 personnel are undergoing training.

These accreditation efforts involve a wide range of participants, including public institutions, non-governmental organizations, local governments, universities, and the private sector. Pehlivan noted that while AFAD has 5,000 permanent staff, the total search and rescue workforce reaches 175,000 when including members of the Turkish Armed Forces, gendarmerie, police, and other public agencies. The agency conducts an average of 75 drills annually to ensure continuous readiness.