Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, over 90 countries offered significant support, deploying rescue teams, providing humanitarian aid, and pledging financial contributions. Key contributions included search-and-rescue personnel, field hospitals, and essential supplies, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in crisis response.
On February 6, 2023, Türkiye endured two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.8 and 7.5, killing 53,537 people across 11 provinces. The tragedy prompted a significant global response, with over 90 nations sending rescue teams, humanitarian support, and financial assistance to assist Türkiye during this challenging time.
International aid included 11,488 foreign search-and-rescue personnel and 440 trained rescue dogs from 54 countries, highlighting a cooperative global effort. Azerbaijan was among the first to deploy a team, arriving just hours after the tremors, while multiple countries worked in tandem with Turkish emergency services.
Various forms of aid were provided, including 294,743 tents and 12,685 container homes for displaced families. Pakistan and Jordan were among the countries that supplied thousands of tents, while 28 nations established field hospitals to address medical needs.
Financial assistance was significant, with the UAE donating $52 million, followed by Libya ($50 million) and Algeria ($30 million). The European Union coordinated 38 specialized teams for rescue and medical operations, and the World Bank allocated $4 billion for recovery and rebuilding efforts in Türkiye.
Military and logistical support included assistance from NATO, which deployed over 1,400 personnel and coordinated aid deliveries. Countries such as Greece and the U.S. provided transport aircraft and mobile kitchens to support the response efforts effectively.
Overall, 102 countries offered aid, with 88 dispatching personnel to the disaster-affected areas. The community’s reception of international help was one of gratitude, with local residents extending hospitality to their international counterparts as they worked together to save lives.
Basak Karasen, a volunteer from SAR Search & Rescue and Emergency Aid Organisation, shared insights into the operations on the ground, discussing the essential role of K9 teams and audio surveillance equipment in locating survivors. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and the emotional support provided by international teams.
Karasen noted that while logistical challenges existed, including procedural delays at airports, increased collaboration with international organizations had a positive impact. Post-earthquake, SAR’s partnership with the Dutch K9 team strengthens future operational readiness, aligning efforts for quick and efficient responses to potential disasters.
The article details the collective international response to the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023. It spans the immediate aftermath of the disaster, highlighting the rescue and humanitarian efforts provided by various countries, as well as testimony from local volunteers about the profound impact of global solidarity during crises.
In summary, the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye elicited an extraordinary international response, showcasing global solidarity through extensive rescue operations, essential supplies, and financial aid. The efforts of countless volunteers and organizations underscore the significance of collaboration and preparedness in disaster situations, amidst the challenges faced during the coordination of aid.
Original Source: www.turkiyetoday.com
