The death toll from the earthquake that jolted Turkey and Syria is now at least 15,383 people, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Turkish Ambassador to the UAE Tugay Tuncer, accompanied by Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri, Commander of Joint Operations at the UAE Ministry of Defence, has visited Al Reef Base in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
Ambassador Tuncer was briefed on the progress of the UAE’s humanitarian shipments provided to the Turkish people. He also lauded the UAE’s leadership role as part of the “Gallant Knight” to mitigate the repercussions of the earthquake that struck Turkey and support the affected people.
The UAE has responded immediately to the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Türkiye, reaffirming its full solidarity with the leadership and peoples of the two countries.
The UAE was one of the first countries to be on the field in the affected areas, as Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mujren Al Ameri, Commander of the Joint Operations, affirmed that the UAE relief mission has been present since the first stage with the international search teams that arrived in Türkiye, followed with the arrival of 3 military planes last Monday carrying search and rescue teams and medical aid.
He stressed that field operations are being fully coordinated according to the priorities and urgent needs determined by Syria and Türkiye.
Erdogan admits “shortcomings”
As rescuers are racing against time to find more survivors in Turkey and Syria amid the harsh freezing temperatures, the death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck the two countries earlier this week has increased to 15,383 as of Thursday, according to authorities.
In its latest update, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) said the country’s overall death toll currently stood at 12,391 people, with 62,914 others injured, reports Anadolu News Agency.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday admitted to “shortcomings” in earthquake response. He stressed that the weather conditions have added to the magnitude of the destruction caused by the earthquake. Erdogan made the remarks during his visit near the epicentre of Monday’s earthquake.
“Of course, there are shortcomings. The conditions are obvious. It is not possible to be prepared for such a disaster. We will not leave any of our citizens uncared for,” CNN quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying.
Medical evacuation
As part of Operation Gallant Knight 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), in coordination with the Ministry of Defence, carried out the medical evacuation of three Emirati citizens and returned them to the country.
The citizens had been moderately injured in the earthquake that struck southern Türkiye at dawn on Monday, 6th February, 2023.
It is worth noting that MoFAIC issued a statement to UAE citizens in the countries affected by the earthquake, stressing the importance of taking precautions and staying away from affected areas. MoFAIC also urged Emirati citizens in the affected countries to report and communicate emergency cases to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the emergency line 0097180024, in addition to registering in Twajudi.
Immediate solidarity
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made phone calls with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye, expressing his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the two presidents, their peoples, and the families of those affected, wishing for a speedy recovery for those who were injured.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasised the UAE’s support for Syria and Türkiye and offered to provide any assistance in their efforts to mitigate the impact of the earthquake.
President Sheikh Mohamed directed the establishment of a field hospital and the dispatch of search and rescue teams for people affected by the earthquake in Syria and Türkiye, in addition to the provision of urgent relief supplies and emergency aid to help families in the hardest-hit areas.
President also ordered an aid package totalling US$100 million for earthquake relief in Syria and Türkiye, with the aid being divided equally between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed the dispatch of urgent humanitarian aid worth AED50 million to Syria.