Countries across the Asia-Pacific region have offered aid after an earthquake on Monday killed thousands and devastated a vast area of southeastern Turkey and northern Syria.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey, and Northern Syria on 6 February and has claimed the lives of over 7,200 people and displaced countless more.
From Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, had an advance team of 18 rescuers leave for Turkey on Monday, with another 75 to be dispatched.
President Xi-Jinping of China said Beijing would offer CNY 40 million (USD 6 million) worth of humanitarian aid, including rescue and medical teams.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins said they would send “an initial USD 10 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected through our Red Cross partners and through humanitarian agencies,” as reported during a joint news conference.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen dispatched 40 personnel to Turkey on Monday, followed by 130 more personnel, five search dogs, and 13 tonnes of aid.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, The Philippines’ President Bongbong Marcos, and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol have also sent personnel to help with rescue missions in the country.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced on Wednesday that they are sending humanitarian aid worth USD 100,000 to Turkey.
An army medical team, National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) personnel, and medical supplies from India have reached Turkey as well.
Meanwhile, the Thai Government has also stated that it is willing to send a rescue team and help with assistance, reports Bangkok Post.
Laos is yet to send an official letter of condolence to leaders in Turkey and Syria and has not yet offered any humanitarian support.
