Four bodies have been recovered by members of the Maltese Civil Protection Department who are continuing their rescue work in the most affected areas by the earthquake in Turkey.

In a video on Facebook, an official from the CPD described the situation in the most affected town of Malatya. 32 officers were sent to Turkey to help with rescue operations.

“Behind me, there is a collapsed building where members of the rescue team are trying to track noises or movement with live locators. Our job is to locate any survivors who are possibly injured under the rubble,” Chief Assistance Rescue Officer Kevin Pace said, who is leading the Maltese team.

Pace said that they are facing many challenges, including unfavourable weather conditions, scarce resources, and a language barrier. He continued that the team now has a 24/7 interpreter who works alongside them.

Only one of the two towers adjacent to each other has collapsed, but the other is also in imminent danger of collapse. The rescue team are also experiencing snowstorms as they work.

Pace said that hope is diminishing in finding more survivors as they have been at the collapse site for 48 hours.

Despite this, the rescue team will continue its search, saying that they have found full cooperation with Turkish delegations.

In a phone call to the Civil Protection officers in Turkey, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri reiterated that they are bringing honour to the country in this difficult situation.

The Civil Protection Department also said reminded that a number of supplies are being collected from the Maltese public to be sent to the people of Turkey and Syria.

These are being collected every day at the fire stations in Hal Far and Xewkija, Gozo, between 9am and 5pm.

The Maltese public is encouraged to take food supplies, warm clothing, decks, tents and other material which is needed in the current circumstances.