AKUT - Search & Rescue Association
With more than 200 permanent members, 2000 volunteers, and state-of-the-art technology, AKUT is the primary rescue organisation in Turkey. A non-governmental organisation with no political affiliation, it is involved in searching, assisting, and rescuing all who require aid within its authority and means, in mountain or other nature-related accidents, natural disasters and all other emergency conditions.
In February 2023, a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Southern Turkey and Northern Syria killed over 55,000 people, injured more than 130,000 and left thousands missing, and millions displaced. Despite the harsh winter weather conditions, damaged roads, and disrupted communications, AKUT immediately deployed teams to the earthquake zone. Soon after, the Eurofins Foundation was contacted by Eurofins employees in Turkey and contributed funds to support AKUT’ search and rescue efforts.