Germany is doubling its aid to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. A total of 240 million euros are to be mobilized, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced today at an international donors’ conference in Brussels. Those still living in tents and in need of medical care should continue to receive intensive support from Europe, the politician said.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have invited to an international donors’ conference in Brussels to collect donations for relief measures and reconstruction after the disaster. Sweden currently holds the presidency of EU states. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also expected to attend the meeting via video link.
On February 6, two earthquakes measuring 7.7 and a little later than 7.6 hit southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. In all, more than 50,000 people lost their lives and millions were left homeless. In Turkey alone, 3.7 million people have been evacuated from the region since the disaster, according to the government, and nearly two million people are currently living in tents.