Turkey's disaster‑response volunteers receive AFAD accreditation

Volunteer teams in Turkey have completed training and been accredited by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). In Trabzon, the volunteer group met with Governor Tahir Şahin to discuss their theoretical and practical education on basic disaster awareness, search‑rescue techniques, first aid, crisis coordination and humanitarian assistance, and to receive information on the AFAD accreditation process.

In Manisa, an official ceremony presented accreditation medals to civil‑society, public‑sector and private‑sector search‑rescue crews that satisfied AFAD’s standards for equipment, personnel qualifications, operational capability and sustainable preparedness. Local officials highlighted that the accreditation not only acknowledges the teams’ achievements but also commits them to ongoing responsibility in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response and recovery.

These events underscore the growing role of volunteer groups in Turkey’s disaster‑management framework and the government's emphasis on standardized, coordinated emergency response.