Chinese Student Helps Rescue Efforts in Türkiye as Translator

Chongqing - A Chinese student studying in Türkiye has been lending his language skills as a translator for the Chinese Blue Sky Rescue Team from February 12 to 19 in the hardest-hit area of Adiyaman in Türkiye’s earthquake.

Wang Wenqi, a Turkish language major at Sichuan International Studies University, was studying at Istanbul University’s language center as an international student when the earthquake struck. He immediately offered his services to Chinese rescue teams who needed Chinese-Turkish translators.

Wang Wenqi (fourth from right) and rescuers warm themselves by a fire in the earthquake-stricken area of Türkiye. (Photo/Wang Wenqi)

Wang joined the rescue efforts in Malatya Province in eastern Türkiye and was later sent to Adiyaman, where the destruction was most severe. As a translator, he helped facilitate communication between the Chinese rescue teams and residents, military personnel, and other rescue workers.

In addition to interpreting conversations, Wang assisted with the use of sound detection devices by asking those around him to remain quiet. He also conveyed the Chinese rescue team’s instructions to local workers, such as how to operate excavation equipment and what materials were needed.

“Ensuring smooth communication between Chinese rescue teams and Turkish authorities is my biggest responsibility,” Wang said, “I am proud to have contributed to the relief efforts in some small way.”

“This is the first time I have been so close to an earthquake, and I feel the respect and trust for life,” Wang Wenqi had a lot of feelings in just a few days.

In a dilapidated building in Adiyaman, locals told the rescue team that there might be survivors inside. But after repeated searches and confirmation, only the body of a young boy who unfortunately died was found, with his body pressed tightly against the stair railing.

Nevertheless, the Blue Sky Rescue Team cooperated with local rescue forces, first supporting and stabilizing the building, then entering the building many times to cut off the railing pressing on the boy, and finally carrying the boy’s body out.

“At that moment, I was particularly moved; this is the greatest respect for life.”

On their way to the disaster site, the rescue team members only carried their equipment to reduce weight. But when they returned to the camp, they found that the pockets of their luggage were stuffed with snacks and drinks. The locals nodded in gratitude and kindly offered them drinking water and food.

What impressed Wang Wenqi the most was the sight of some survivors huddling around a bonfire on a cold night. 

The powerful earthquake that struck southern Türkiye on February 6 killed over 40,000 people in the country, and the search and rescue efforts were completed on the evening of February 18.

Wang Wenqi said his participation in the frontline rescue efforts made him feel firsthand the boundless love of the Chinese people without borders.

“In the future, I will continue my studies and improve my abilities,” said Wang Wenqi.