World got Turkey ‘s, Syria’s back with offers of condolences and aid

On Feb 6, 2023

As the death toll from Monday’s tragedy continues to rise, the international community was quick to offer assistance to the earthquake-affected areas in Turkey and Syria.

According to Janez Lenarcic, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, the European Union dispatched rescue teams to Turkey.

Foreign Minister James Cleverly announced on Monday that the UK would send emergency response experts, dogs, and equipment to Turkey immediately in the wake of the earthquake there.

The UK is sending immediate support to Türkiye including a team of 76 search & rescue specialists, equipment and rescue dogs.

In Syria, the UK-funded White Helmets have mobilised their resources to respond.

We stand ready to provide further support as needed.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) February 6, 2023

The UK is sending Turkey immediate support, including a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment, and rescue dogs, according to Cleverly’s tweet.

The Greek prime minister pledged to assist Turkey’s neighbor with “every force available.”

According to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Ankara had already given the go-ahead for the dispatch of a Greek emergency rescue unit and that Athens was prepared to send “additional equipment, medical supplies, blankets, and tents” in response to any additional requests from Turkey.

War-torn Ukraine declared that it was prepared to send rescue personnel to Turkey.

“Ukraine stands ready to send a large group of rescue workers to Turkey to assist crisis response. We are working closely with the Turkish side to coordinate their deployment,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter

Ukraine stands ready to send a large group of rescue workers to Türkiye to assist crisis response. We are working closely with the Turkish side to coordinate their deployment.

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 6, 2023

Separately, Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, claimed he had spoken on the phone with Hulusi Akar, the Turkish counterpart, and extended condolences and support.

According to a statement from the ministry, Shoigu “offered to provide all necessary assistance through the military department to his Turkish colleague in the wake of the earthquake, including medical assistance to the victims.”