Countries around the world are mobilizing aid after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6.
The quake, which struck at a shallow depth of 24 kilometers, has claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people and injured thousands more. It further resulted in widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless and without basic necessities.
In response to the catastrophic disaster, numerous countries have pledged to provide aid and assistance to the affected populations.
United States: President United States, Joe Biden spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday informing him that teams are being quickly deployed to support the Turkish search and rescue efforts and attend to the needs of those injured or displaced by the earthquake.
Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan deployed a team of 420 rescuers, including dog handlers and eight rescue dogs. The country sent a second aircraft loaded with first aid kits, tents, bedding, medical supplies, and other essential equipment to aid those impacted by the earthquake in Turkey.
Azerbaijan will keep sending rescue teams and providing humanitarian aid to Turkey, according to the head of the ministry’s Special Risk Rescue Service.
China: The first Chinese civilian assistance force named Ramunion from Hangzhou, including an advanced team of eight experts with rich international earthquake rescue experiences, rushed to Turkey and is expected to arrive on Wednesday. The advanced team is equipped with advanced radar life-searching instruments, and other rescue equipment and a search and rescue canine.
Additionally, China announced emergency assistance of 40 million yuan ($5.8 million) for Turkey and the dispatch of a rescue and medical team. According to the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), it will also provide Syria with emergency aid. The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has also announced a relief of $200,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Red Crescent, respectively.
Japan: In his condolence message to Turkey, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised to provide whatever assistance Turkey requires according to local needs. Japan’s International Emergency Rescue Team reached Turkey on Tuesday to participate in the work.
Pakistan: Swiftly responding to requests for international assistance after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the Pakistan government sent rescue teams to help with the relief efforts and dig through the rubble in a race to find survivors.
Pakistan dispatched two urban search and rescue teams with experts, equipment, sniffer dogs, and a Medical team with Army doctors, nursing staff, and technicians, as well as a 30-bed mobile hospital, blankets, tents, and other relief items. From February 8 onwards, Pakistan has announced to send around 15 tons of relief goods to Turkey and Syria on a daily basis via PIA flights.
European Union: EU is sending 1,150 rescuers and 70 rescue dogs to Türkiye in the wake of Monday’s powerful quakes, the EU commissioner for crisis management said. “EU solidarity at its best,” Janez Lenarcic wrote on Twitter. The units come from 19 different European countries, including non-EU members Montenegro and Albania.
“We stand in full solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria after the deadly earthquake that hit this morning. We mourn with the families of the victims,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “Europe’s support is already on the way and we stand ready to continue helping in any way we can,” she added.
Qatar: Qatar has announced to send 10,000 mobile homes to Turkiye and Syria. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ordered the launch of an airlift to help quake victims in Türkiye. State news agency QNA said a rescue team, a field hospital, relief aid, tents, and winter supplies will also be dispatched.