NB BUREAU
Governments and international organisations from around the world have responded with offers of support after an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck central Turkey and northwest Syria leaving thousands dead.
World Chips In
INDIA
The government said two teams from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads, medical teams and aids have been flown into the affected areas.
UNITED STATES
U.S. President Joe Biden wrote on Twitter he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and devastation in Syria and Turkey, adding: “I have directed my team to continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with Turkiye and provide any needed assistance.”
BRITAIN
United Kingdom sent 76 British search and rescue specialists with four search dogs and rescue equipment to Turkey on Monday evening. It said London was in contact with the United Nations about support for Syria.
THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The UAE said it would set up a field hospital in Turkey and dispatch search and rescue teams to Turkey and Syria.
SPAIN
Spain to send an A400 military plane with firefighters and equipment, along with an Airbus A330 with civil defence staff to work with rescuers.
IRAQ
Iraq said it would send civil defence teams to Turkey and Syria with emergency and relief supplies, food and fuel.
QATAR
Qatar starts relief flights to Turkey on Monday to transport search and rescue teams to the affected zones.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan said two C-130 planes would leave on Tuesday for Turkey, carrying relief and 36 searches and rescue personnel.
THE VATICAN AND ITALY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Italian Roman Catholic Church allocated 500,000 euros ($537,800) for emergency aid.
GERMANY
Germany to provide camps with emergency shelters and water treatment units and is preparing relief supplies with emergency generators, tents and blankets, in coordination with the Turkish authorities.
U.N. WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
WHO chief Tedros said its network of emergency medical teams has been activated to provide essential health care for the injured and most vulnerable affected by the earthquake.
ITALY
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s Civil Protection was standing by to contribute support and provide first aid.
POLAND
Poland will send rescue group HUSAR consisting of 76 firemen and eight rescue dogs, Interior and Administration Minister Mariusz Kamiński said.
EUROPEAN UNION
EU’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre had been in contact with the Turkish authorities and had activated its emergency Copernicus satellite mapping service to help first responders working on the ground.
TAIWAN
Taiwan sent 40 rescuers along with three search and rescue dogs and four to five tonnes of aid for Turkey on Monday. It previously said it was ready to offer a team of 130 people, along with five search dogs and 13 tonnes of aid, and was awaiting Turkey’s response.
UKRAINE
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine was ready to send support. “We are in this moment close to the friendly Turkish people, ready to provide the necessary assistance,” he said.
RUSSIA
Russia’s emergencies ministry said two IL-76 aircraft with 100 rescuers were ready to fly out to Turkey if required.
GREECE
Greek Prime Minister Kyrikos Mitsotakis offered condolences and support to Turkey, saying Greece was mobilising its resources and will assist immediately.
ISRAEL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said all authorities have been instructed to make immediate preparations to provide medical, and search and rescue assistance.
NORWEGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL (NRC)
“NRC is assessing the situation to provide direct support to those most affected across Syria. A massive scale-up is needed and our organisation will be part of it,” said Carsten Hansen, Middle East regional director for NRC. He also appealed for more international support for Syria and southern Turkey.
(With inputs from media reports)
