The IHH Search and Rescue Unit conducted training activities throughout the year in various areas, including search and rescue in rubble, disaster awareness, first aid, urban search and rescue, and search and rescue in natural environments. Within this scope, 1,140 training activities were carried out, benefiting 68,547 people and involving 13,686 participants. This training enhanced the technical competence of volunteers and contributed to strengthening the community's disaster awareness. Awareness and social responsibility initiatives also took centre stage in 2025. A total of 113 awareness activities were carried out focusing on the environment, social responsibility, and wildlife education, reaching 372 people directly. Additionally, 121 promotional events were held, including volunteer meetings, booth activities, and presentations.

Disaster response and operations

Teams that played an active role in disasters and emergencies during the year were deployed in search and rescue and humanitarian aid operations in different regions. Within this scope, 347 operations were carried out, responding to many different emergencies, including earthquakes, fires, floods, building collapses, missing persons and stranded individuals. A total of 3,442 personnel and volunteers participated in the operations.

IHH Search and Rescue also focused on training activities. A total of 135 training exercises were conducted through desk-based, field and TAMP (Training and Assessment Programme) activities, with 2,323 people participating. These exercises enhanced the teams' coordination, response and decision-making capabilities.

National and international collaborations

The IHH Disaster Management Unit participated in training, meetings, and collaboration programmes organised abroad throughout 2025. Experience sharing in the field of disaster management was increased through contacts with international organisations and universities. In addition, within the scope of accreditation activities carried out during the year, a total of 10 accreditation activities were carried out in various fields, primarily urban search and rescue.

Furthermore, the IHH Disaster Management Unit participated in United Nations INSARAG assessment and development meetings as part of its international activities. In addition, the 125-member IHH Medical Rescue Team, consisting entirely of healthcare professionals, continues to participate in Emergency Medical Team (EMT) accreditation training conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Furthermore, the IHH Psychosocial Support Unit strengthened its institutional capacity in post-disaster psychosocial support efforts by becoming accredited with AFAD through its psychosocial intervention team, consisting of 34 volunteer mental health specialists.

The 5th National Disaster Management Exercise was held

IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation Disaster Management also successfully completed the 5th National Disaster Management Exercise held in Ankara during the year. The exercise, in which 1,350 volunteers participated, included search and rescue operations in urban areas, water and nature, as well as practical applications in medical rescue, psychosocial support, nutrition, shelter and warehouse management. According to the scenario, following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Elmadağ district of Ankara, teams from 59 provinces were mobilised, and five search and rescue dogs also took an active part in the drill.

IHH Disaster Management continues to strengthen its teams under the slogan ‘A Strong Team Saves Lives’.