IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made a statement on the earthquake disaster that occurred in Kahramanmaraş, affecting 10 provinces, and causing more than 18 thousand deaths and 70 thousand injuries according to the latest statements. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu evaluated the search and rescue and aid activities after the earthquake. He stated: “Our people sent aid to the earthquake area, showing an exemplary solidarity, and the volunteers went to support the search and rescue activities. This sense of solidarity and the urge to heal each other’s’ wounds during bad times took over the whole world”.

Chairperson Zeytinoğlu also thanked the support messages and search and rescue teams from several countries and the EU after the earthquake and stated:

“The earthquake disaster, which made our nation’s heart bleed, reminded us once again that we need to design its cities, settlements, and all kinds of infrastructure according to the earthquake reality. The solidarity shown by our people in the aftermath of this catastrophe reveals a trait that is extremely touching and deserves to be appreciated. Support received from various countries and the EU is also very important. The search and rescue teams from Greece, with which we had bilateral problems, and the support statements of Prime Minister Mitsotakis really showed how friendly the peoples on both sides of the sea can be to each other. We were touched by the support and teams from all over the world, from the Netherlands to Azerbaijan, from India to Japan, from Georgia to Taiwan, from Spain to Argentina. Search and rescue teams played a very important role in rescuing our people who were under the rubble”.

Chairperson Zeytinoğlu expressed his appreciation for the support provided within the framework of the EU and concluded his speech as follows:

“Within the scope of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 23 countries contributed with a total of 31 search and rescue teams and 5 medical teams. A total of 1500 search and rescue officers, 100 search and rescue dogs and health teams came to the region to support the work. The decision to send 6.5 million euros of emergency humanitarian aid to Turkey and Syria, which are affected by the earthquake, and to send an additional 3 million euros of emergency aid to support the post-earthquake efforts in the country was announced. European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic came to the region and received information about search and rescue efforts. In addition, at the European Council Leaders' Summit held yesterday, a minute's silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives due to the earthquake and a statement expressing their condolences was announced. The conclusions of the European Council included the Swedish Presidency of the EU’s initiative to convene a donors’ conference to help the areas damaged by earthquake in March. This comprehensive support is important. We wish for this support to be maintained in the long-term and thank the EU and our European friends”.