Traces of destruction in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir
World leaders are reacting to the devastating earthquake that struck southern Turkey, killing at least 2,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
A number of them announced their intention to provide aid to Turkey and Syria to help the two countries face the consequences of the earthquake.
“My thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria this morning, especially the first responders who are working so valiantly to save people trapped by the earthquake. The UK stands ready to help in any way we can,” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement.
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron described the images coming from the two countries as “horrific” and said that France was “ready to provide emergency assistance,” while German Chancellor Olaf Schultz said that his country condoles the relatives of the dead and “of course will send assistance.”
As for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he sent his condolences to the citizens of Turkey and said that he had instructed “all authorities to immediately prepare to provide medical, rescue and rescue assistance.”
Netanyahu also told Likud party deputies that Israel “received a request through a diplomatic channel to provide humanitarian aid to Syria, and I agreed to that.” He added that help would be dispatched soon.
For his part, the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, said that the United States is “extremely concerned” by the reports of the disaster.
He indicated that he is in contact with Turkish officials to inform them that his country is ready to provide all necessary assistance. US President Joe Biden directed the country’s Agency for International Development to assess how it could help.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences and pledged assistance to both Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of today’s earthquake.
Putin told Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: “We hope for a speedy recovery for all the wounded and are ready to provide the necessary assistance to overcome the effects of this natural disaster,” according to what was reported by Agence France-Presse.
In a letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin asked him to “convey words of sincere sympathy and support” to the families of the victims and said Russia was “ready to provide the required assistance”.
The European Union has sent rescue teams to Turkey, according to what was announced by the European Commissioner in charge of crisis management, Janis Lenarcic.
As for the Secretary-General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, he confirmed that he is in contact with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and that he is “mobilizing support.”
The German Chancellor announced his country’s shock at the scale of the disaster, stressing that Berlin would send aid.
The Dutch prime minister said a Dutch rescue team would join rescue efforts in Turkey and Syria.
The Greek Prime Minister also said that his country will direct its resources to help the two countries.
For its part, the Indian government said that 100 disaster response personnel, as well as teams of specially trained dogs, were ready to fly to the affected areas, and that medical teams and supplies were also being prepared.