HK's first batch of quake aid ready to go: consul
The first batch of aid donated by Hongkongers to help earthquake victims will be on its way to Turkey as early as Saturday, the country's consul in the SAR said on Friday. The death toll from the massive earthquakes in Turkey and neighbouring Syria kept on climbing, and the chances of finding survivors have dimmed, but the bitter cold in the region is still threatening tens of thousands of survivors whose homes have been destroyed. The Turkish consulate in Hong Kong earlier called on the public to donate supplies and equipment and the first shipment is almost ready to go, although the exact timing will depend on the quantity of supplies and equipment collected.  Speaking on RTHK's Backchat program, Consul Peyami Kalyoncu outlined some of the top priority items that survivors of the earthquake need: "Tents, blankers, heaters... all types of scarves, gloves, hats ... Thermos, mugs, flashlights... thermal clothes, sleeping bags, mattresses, diapers, and hygiene kits and also clothing, of course, winter-suitable clothing."  He said items should not contain any batteries. Meanwhile, a search and rescue team from the SAR arrived in Turkey late on Thursday to begin work. The team comprises 59 people, including firefighters and ambulance personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department, and the Department of Health.  The team also took eight tonnes of equipment, including cutting machines and life detectors.  Earlier this week, Kalyoncu met the acting chief executive, Eric Chan, who's in touch with the rescue team, and was told the authorities are ready to send more help if needed: "We are grateful that, also, the Hong Kong SAR government replied very fast and positively to our call and they sent a very strong team of 59 professional urban search and rescue officers to the region, and they've already headed to the earthquake area to assist the search and rescue operation," the consul said. The death toll from the quake rose to more than 21,000 on Friday. Several high-profile rescues lifted the spirits of weary search crews, but hopes were fading that many more would be found alive in the ruins of thousands of collapsed buildings in towns and cities across the region. (Additional reporting by Reuters)