Newsman: Countries around the world are rushing to send rescue workers, equipment and aid after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria early Monday. The International community continues pledges to aid in search and rescue operations to Turkey and Syria in their rescue efforts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early on Monday that 45 nations had already offered assistance with search and rescue efforts.
“We have started to be contacted for international aid,” he said. “Besides offers of assistance by NATO and the EU, 45 countries have reached out to u.” President Erdogan said.
The Biden administration issued a statement expressing concern, adding that “we stand ready to provide any and all needed assistance.” President Joe Biden has directed USAID and other federal government agencies to “assess U.S. response options to help those most affected,” coordinating efforts with the Turkish government.
Putting conflict aside, Israel offered aid to Syria. China also offered to aid Syria. EU Council president pledges support expressing condolence.
China offered to aid Syria. “Beijing is ready to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to Syria according to the needs,” Xu Wei, spokesman for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, told the Xinhua news agency.
Israel has said it will send search and rescue and medical teams to Turkey and Syria. Syria does not recognize Israel and the two countries have remained at war, at least technically, since Israel was established in 1948. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had requests from and ordered aid airlifts to both countries.
“This is what we do around the world and this is what we do in areas close to us,” Netanyahu said.
Russia says it is readying rescue teams to fly to Turkey to help earthquake victims there and in neighboring Syria.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: “My thoughts are with the people of Türkiye and Syria this morning, particularly with those first responders working so valiantly to save those trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in whatever way we can.”
The EU Council president pledged support and said,
“-Deeply saddened to hear this morning about the devastating earthquake hitting parts of Türkiye and Syria. My deepest condolences to the many families that lost lives and wishing a fast recovery of the injured,” European Council President Charles Michel said on Twitter. “The EU stands in full solidarity with you.”
