Motorcycle Heroes Rush to Disasters: Delivering Aid to Points of Need

Founded in 2021 in the capital, the Ankara Motorcycle Search and Rescue Association (ANMAKUD) plays a significant role in disaster management. Established to ensure rapid response to natural disasters, the association delivers aid to areas in need through its motorcycle teams.

ANMAKUD, the first motorcycle-based search and rescue association founded in Ankara, operates entirely on a voluntary basis. The organization provides assistance during emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. Thanks to its motorcycle units, the association can move swiftly through heavy traffic and ensure that relief supplies reach affected areas without delay.

Speaking about ANMAKUD, Chairman of the Board Levent Karagöz stated that the association took an active role during the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş and in the flood disaster in Bozkurt. He also noted that the association provides its volunteers with radio communication, first aid, and search and rescue training, while carrying out awareness initiatives to strengthen public preparedness. Emphasizing the importance of readiness, Karagöz said, “Disasters will always occur. We must take precautions. Let’s prepare emergency kits and ensure the structural safety of our buildings.”

“WE WORK TO PROVIDE THE FASTEST RESPONSE”

Operating in the capital, ANMAKUD stands out with its rapid intervention capacity during natural disasters. Explaining the association’s mission, Karagöz stated, “We are the first motorcycle search and rescue association established in Ankara. Our primary goal is to rush to the aid of people during emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, and floods.”

By overcoming traffic and road obstacles with motorcycles, the association not only ensures rapid intervention but also organizes training programs and participates in social responsibility projects to raise public awareness. “As ANMAKUD, we strive to provide the fastest possible assistance in natural disasters and emergencies, increase public awareness, and strengthen disaster resilience,” Karagöz added.

“WE HAVE RESPONDED TO VARIOUS INCIDENTS”

Karagöz emphasized that the association has intervened in numerous disasters and emergency situations. “We were actively involved in the February 6 earthquakes. We initially planned to proceed to Kahramanmaraş and surrounding areas, but the destruction in Hatay was so severe that we remained there for approximately nine days, conducting search and rescue operations,” he said.

He also noted that ANMAKUD took part in the Bozkurt flood disaster and in forest fires across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

“WE CLEAR ROADS AND ACCELERATE AID DELIVERY”

Karagöz highlighted that ANMAKUD’s role in disasters goes beyond rapid transportation. The teams also help clear roads and ensure that aid supplies reach critical locations. “When traffic is completely gridlocked, trucks and large vehicles cannot enter. With our motorcycles, we move at the front, open routes, and enable aid to reach affected areas quickly. During the earthquake, we cleared roads that even trucks could not access,” he explained.

Being a formally registered association has provided ANMAKUD with certain operational advantages. In Hatay, a 60-ton excavator was allocated to the team, significantly facilitating their efforts. Karagöz pointed out that access to equipment is one of the greatest challenges for search and rescue organizations, as such machinery is costly and typically only made available during disaster periods.

VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE TRAINING FOR DISASTER RESPONSE

Karagöz underlined the critical importance of communication in search and rescue operations. He stated that radio communication enables rapid coordination in disaster zones. During the Hatay earthquake, their radio capabilities allowed them to receive authorization to use equipment from the Denizli branch of AFAD.

In addition to field operations, the association provides daily training programs in radio communication, first aid, and motorcycle operation. Through a protocol with the Kırıkkale Radio Communication Systems Association (KİTRAT), ANMAKUD plans to coordinate jointly in the event of future disasters. The association also aims to offer more systematic and regular training sessions for new members and motorcycle volunteers this year.

A TRAINED TEAM READY FOR DISASTERS

Karagöz stated that ANMAKUD has 44 members, 15 of whom are active responders. Active members have completed AFAD-certified training, Light Search and Rescue training, radio communication training, and first aid certification.

One of the main challenges faced by associations is the lack of dedicated facilities. Due to high rental costs, many associations have downsized. ANMAKUD currently does not have an official premises and plans to temporarily use a private space. However, the association seeks a secure and properly equipped facility to store and protect its donated equipment.

PREPAREDNESS IS ESSENTIAL

Emphasizing that Türkiye is a country prone to earthquakes and natural disasters, Karagöz stressed that precaution is the most important measure. “Disasters will always happen. That is why preparedness is crucial. Let’s prepare emergency kits. People should be more careful when choosing homes and, if necessary, invest in structural assessments. Today, building safety can be evaluated using simple methods. Responsibility lies with us. We must protect ourselves and our families,” he said.

He added that preparedness should extend beyond earthquakes to other natural disasters as well. Referring to recent heavy rainfall in Mersin and Antalya, Karagöz concluded, “Such events remind us once again that we must always remain prepared.”

Source: Ankara Ulus Newspaper – Rüveyda Aslıipek