Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) immediately responded to the 6.6-magnitude earthquake that rattled Izmir, western Turkey, it was announced Monday.
The earthquake was followed by 883 aftershocks, which raised the number of deaths to 51 and injuries to 896, according to reports of Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).
From day one, QRCS’s Disaster Information Management Centre (DIMC) was activated, and its representation mission in Turkey was mobilised, to keep updated and timely informed about the situation, in coordination with the Turkish Red Crescent and engaged international humanitarian organisations.
Initial needs include emergency shelter (tents, tarpaulins, and repair kits), drinking water, readymade food meals, psychological support, personal hygiene kits, and nonfood items (blankets, winter clothes, and kitchenware).
QRCS secretary-general Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi and Turkish Red Crescent director-general Dr Ibrahim Altan discussed the situation and agree on joint action to help the victims and minimise the negative impact on the local communities.
“We are there for the brotherly Turkish people in this calamity,” said al-Hammadi. “The leaders and relief officers of both QRCS and the Turkish Red Crescent are working closely together. All our available human and logistic resources are aligned to help the affected families, ensuring rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, especially with the advent of the winter”.
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