A Greek couple with dual Greek and Turkish citizenship is missing in Antakya (Antioch) in southeast Türkiye, following the earthquake that also hit Syria, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

The Greek embassy in Ankara was informed by the couple’s relatives that they were missing. The embassy has informed local authorities and rescue teams, ANA-MPA reported.

Antakya has suffered extensive damage, while international rescue teams are trying to locate and rescue people from the debris of collapsed buildings.

Meanwhile, a group of 30 trained volunteers from Greece’s Hellenic Rescue Team (HRT) departed on Thursday night to help in earthquake-stricken Türkiye with a rescue dog and specialised equipment.

The HRT is expected to fly to Istanbul and catch a flight on to Adana, in the company of officials of the Turkish Directorate of Catastrophe and Emergency Situations Management (AFAD), with whom it will work in the field.

Equipment they are taking with them includes: hydraulic rescue tools, thermal cameras, toxic gas sensors, generators, telecommunications equipment, stretchers, defibrillators, and other first-aid material. All team members will wear and carry personal safety equipment.

HRT’s dispatch is supported by the Turkish Consulate in Thessaloniki and the Turkish Embassy in Athens.