A structural engineer and humanitarian coordinator has urged rescuers in Turkey and Syria not to give up hope as survivors could be found up to "weeks" after the massive earthquake hit the region.

Speaking to CNN's Becky Anderson on Wednesday, president of non-profit Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief, Kit Miyamoto, praised the community in Turkey who came together and "did their part" after the quake struck Monday.

"The community, the citizens, they're the ones that are actually the first line of defense," he said. "They dug up family, friends, neighbors."The Turkish government has been preparing for a disaster as destructive as this one for the past two decades but challenges have made search and rescue efforts difficult, Miyamoto said.

"The area is mountainous and widespread affecting 10 million people," he added. "No single government can do this alone. There has to be international support."Countries and organizations from around the world have responded to the crisis with donations of money and equipment as rescue workers arrive in Turkey and Syria to help with the recovery operations. NATO said its members are sending more than 1,400 emergency response personnel, while a US rescue team is expect to land in the Turkish city of Adana today.

/CNN