Alongside messages of condolence, a global effort has been mobilised to support rescue efforts after the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. International organisations from many countries have offered to send humanitarian aid to the affected areas, reported alJazeera.
At least 1,014 people have died in Turkey’s southern provinces due to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake early on Monday, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority announced. At least 644 more died and 1,464 others were injured across Syria after the same earthquake. The updated death toll does not include casualties of a second 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the region in the afternoon.
Humanitarian emergency aid on its way or already on the ground includes search-and-rescue teams, personnel and the equipment to set up camps for shelter, fire fighters and medical teams.
The European Union will send search and rescue teams to Turkey, there are units from Bulgaria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Italy and Hungary.
Countries that have assured support include China, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Isreal, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, the UK and the US.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg assured the public via twitter that NATO allies are mobilising support.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that the UN was “ready to help provide urgent relief to the survivors through our field teams wherever possible”.
Meanwhile, World Health Organisation chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said emergency medical teams were activated to provide essential health care for the injured and most vulnerable.