At Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), a volunteer-based canine search and rescue team continues its rigorous training without interruption. Formed after receiving training at the Samsun AFAD Provincial Directorate in 2021, the team has been accredited by AFAD and is now ready to support disaster-hit regions in Türkiye. Having actively participated in rescue operations during the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, the team aims to stay prepared for future disasters through regular training.

"On a Mission for a Conscious Society"

OMU Search and Rescue Team leader Uğur Güngör emphasized that the team operates entirely on a volunteer basis and consists of 27 members. Güngör stated, “Our country is prone to disasters. We established this team to help build a conscious society. Our university provides significant support for search and rescue activities and empowers us to spread disaster preparedness awareness.”

Recalling their deployment to Elbistan following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023, Güngör highlighted the valuable experiences they gained during this mission.

Graduate student Yıldıray Ortahisar shared that his interest in mountaineering led him to become a dog trainer and noted that the training process takes approximately 1.5 years. Ortahisar remarked, “The work in the earthquake zone was both challenging and educational. Helping people was an unforgettable experience for us.”

Mehmet Efe, a student at the Faculty of Education, joined the team after surviving an earthquake in Hatay. Efe said, “Disaster awareness is crucial, but it must be supported with training. Anyone wishing to contribute during a disaster needs a certain level of knowledge and experience.”

"Helping People is a Source of Pride"

Şule Akkuzu, a student in the Recreation Department of OMU’s Faculty of Sports Sciences, said that the earthquakes inspired her to join the search and rescue team. Akkuzu expressed, “Helping earthquake victims and being able to reach out to them is a source of pride. I am proud to be part of this team.”

Preparing for Disasters: Shaping Awareness and Education Together

The OMU Search and Rescue Team continues to strengthen through both theoretical and practical training. These training sessions focus not only on individual awareness but also on teamwork and effective intervention strategies. With this preparedness, the team aims to be ready for future disasters.

OMU’s volunteer heroes play a leading role not only in search and rescue operations but also in spreading disaster preparedness awareness across society.