Ireland has sent its largest-ever airlift of emergency supplies to Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes that hit on February 6.
Two powerful tremors struck in south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, and since then, thousands of people have been confirmed dead across both countries.
Numbers are expected to continue rising over the coming days and weeks. Amongst those affected inside Syria are Syrians who are still displaced in their own country and living in flimsy shelters, tents, and partially destroyed buildings, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
In Turkey, the impact also includes thousands of refugees and the communities that have been generously hosting them for nearly 12 years.
The earthquake has torn down people’s homes and other local infrastructures and families are in urgent need of relief items and shelter.
Today, tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has announced the airlift of over 100 tonnes of relief supplies from Ireland’s emergency stocks to the survivors.
This airlift is worth over €800,000 and consists of:
- 700 tents
- 9,000 thermal blankets
- 3,000 solar lamps
- 3,000 hygiene kits
- 3,000 kitchen sets
- 3,000 water jerry cans
The items will be distributed by Irish Aid partners, Concern and Goal, who aim to reach 42,000 people in the affected regions.
The airlift left the UN's Humanitarian Response Depot in Dubai this afternoon and will arrive in Adana in Türkiye, from where it will be brought to affected areas.
Ireland is also preparing an additional airlift of emergency relief items for Northwest Syria, the taoiseach confirmed.
The first airlift is expected on Saturday, with a further airlift planned for next week, and the Tánaiste today said: “This is the largest ever deployment of emergency stocks under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, which is a reflection of the scale of devastation in Türkiye and Syria.
“The death toll continues to rise, and hundreds of thousands are grieving for loved ones while enduring unbearable conditions. Many survivors are sleeping in cars or makeshift shelters in sub-zero temperatures.
“These emergency items from Ireland’s prepositioned stocks will provide immediate support, meeting vital shelter, water, and hygiene needs.
“This airlift complements Ireland’s financial recently announced assistance to Irish NGOs, the Syrian Cross Border Fund, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies”,
Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Seán Fleming added: “It is difficult to comprehend the scale of destruction, and the plight of survivors – many of whom have lost their families, their homes and all their possessions in a single night.”
“This airlift highlights the value of Ireland having prepositioned emergency supplies, so we can respond quickly when a disaster occurs. It is also a perfect example of international cooperation.
“The close coordination and strong partnerships between the Irish government, our UN partners, the EU’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO), and Ireland’s NGO partners, have made this airlift possible today.”
These stock deployments are part of Ireland’s €10 million allocation in response to the earthquakes.
In addition to the stocks, Ireland’s response includes funding to the United Nations Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Irish Non-Governmental Organisations working on the ground.
The focus will be on providing cash assistance, emergency non-food items, and shelter.
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