A Japanese medical team has left for Turkey to provide emergency aid in the wake of last week's massive earthquake.

More than 80,000 people have been injured in the quake that hit southern Turkey on February 6. Many hospitals and medical institutions have reportedly been damaged.

The Japanese team of 36 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other personnel departed from Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Sunday.

They are the only rescue team bringing in artificial dialysis equipment, which will be used to treat people suffering from a condition called crush syndrome.

People buried under debris for long periods of time can accumulate toxic substances that spread throughout the body. The condition can be fatal.

Some members of the relief team will draw on their experience gained in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

Fujiwara Hiroyuki of Iwate Medical University notes that some of the damage being reported is similar to that after the disaster 12 years ago. He says he wants to stand by those affected by the disaster in Turkey.

Inoue Junichi of Nippon Medical School Musashikosugi Hospital is the team's deputy leader. He says many people are probably waiting for support under harsh conditions in subzero temperatures. He said he wants to do all he can to help people in Turkey.

The team members will travel through Istanbul to medical facilities in the disaster-hit areas. They will continue their mission until February 24.